Integrated inspections
A key way in which we promote children’s health and wellbeing is by checking the quality and effectiveness of local children’s services throughout the country.
We work together with Ofsted and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation to carry out these inspections.
Integrated inspections of safeguarding and looked after children’s services
Led by Ofsted, these inspections evaluate the children’s services within each local authority. They look to see how safe children and young people are and assess the quality of service provision for looked after children and care leavers.
We work directly with Ofsted in conducting and reporting on services and the inspections are carried out under the remit of the Children Act 2004.
Over the three years from June 2009, each of the 152 local authorities will be inspected, and we will focus particularly on the contribution of health organisations serving children and young people in the authority area.
Local authorities receive ten working days’ notice of the visit, and the inspectors take two weeks to complete the inspection. The subsequent report is scheduled for publication within 20 working days of completion of the review.
More details about the framework for inspection under which the inspection is carried out can be found on:
- Find out more on the Ofsted website
- Download the guide for PCTs on the inspection process
- Find reports of completed inspections on the Ofsted website
What we look at
These inspections use data and information from previous inspections together with interviews and focus groups to assess PCTs and provider PCTs, NHS Trusts, GPs and community health teams (provider units).
We look at how well they are meeting key standards and requirements, and how well they are working in partnership with other organisations.
The information we collect contributes to the joint report and judgements made on the area about the council and its partners, and will also contribute to our assessments of health services as part of our regulatory work.
We examine two key areas of performance (or themes), which contribute to Ofsted’s final report:
- How the commissioner PCT Board is assured that staff are able to adequately safeguard children and young people.
- How the commissioner PCT Board is assured that children and young people who are looked after, can access effective and consistent healthcare services.
Read the joint inspection report for your area.
