MONMOUTHSHIRE County Council (MCC) has welcomed a report published on Wednesday 11th February by the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW), following an inspection of the authority's children's services in November 2014.  

CSSIW is the body responsible for inspecting social care and social services to make sure that they are safe for the people who use them.

A full and complex report recognised that the service is basically sound and no widespread or serious failures were identified during the inspection that left children being harmed or at risk of harm. The report also acknowledges good practice.

Children and young people in need of protection were identified and appropriate referrals were made while child protection enquiries were thorough, timely and informed by decisions made at a strategy discussion. Strategy discussions were managed in accordance with guidance.

The report also highlighted areas for further improvement and included a set of recommendations that the council has accepted and is committed to implementing.  

A key area in which the council has already made progress is the quality of record keeping and risk management.

The report cites a number of positive references from clients who have benefited from the service.

A mother noted: "We got a really speedy service, exceptionally swift in fact. What we got meets our child's needs. How could it be better?  

"The social worker came to our home. There was no need for us to queue in a busy office. The social worker and duty officer have been wonderful.

"It took some time in discussion over the phone and at home to work out what we needed. I have much respect and admiration for them. 

"They are both very respectful. They know what their job is about but don't talk down to us and they treated us with respect".

County councillor Geoff Burrows, cabinet member with responsibility for social care and health, said: "I am proud of the high level of enthusiasm and commitment that our team has demonstrated to deliver consistent improvements over the last six months.  

"The report contains a number of recommendations that the council is working hard to secure continued improvement.

"The report acknowledges a greater focus and attention to improving practice in children's services and these developments need to be embedded and sustained.  

"In addition, inspectors found that senior managers were committed to achieving improvements in the provision of help and protection for children and families."