Children's services boss says 'no surprises' in damning report

Gladys Rhodes White, Children's Services Director

Gladys Rhodes-White, Rochdale Council Interim Director of Children, Schools & Families says the Ofsted report declaring Rochdale Council "inadequate" at caring for some of the most vulnerable children in society and that child protection is "unacceptably poor" came as no surprise.

Ms Rhodes-White said: “There were no surprises in this report. We accept the factual outcomes of the report but have to take these in context of the inspection and when this took place 12 months ago. The report does highlight areas for improvement which Rochdale Council has been working on, and implementing. We have learned lessons are now very self-aware and in a stronger position to continue to make improvements.

“Since the inspection we have acted strongly to examine and scrutinise ourselves and started to remodel the children’s service. And, even in these challenging times we have managed to recruit some of the best people into the top positions and attract highly skilled and experienced social workers. A new Director and Assistant Director have been appointed and had to undergo a vigorous selection process. We are confident the new leadership team will continue to transform children’s services for the better.

“We know there were failings and have acknowledged these but we have moved on and are continuing to make improvements. Rochdale Council is committed to providing the highest quality services to children and the most vulnerable people in the borough. Any failure is not acceptable.”