Improvement check in Denbighshire County Council’s children services identifies positive progress, but further improvements are needed in key areas

We found that Denbighshire County Council’s children services have made some improvements since our 2023 inspection, although further action is still required in key areas.

The local authority benefits from a stable and experienced leadership team who have implemented positive changes. Leaders have worked to set a clear direction, supported by competent staff who feel well supported by both management and colleagues.

There is a core of permanent long-term staff in post to deliver a service supporting longer term stability, although recruitment of staff continues to challenge the local authority particularly for key positions in certain teams.

Improvements have been made at the ‘front door’ with greater oversight of recording of rationale and decision making. Whilst a triage system in place to allocate work according to priority of need and safety, delays are still evident.

To see all our findings and recommendations, click on the link at the bottom of this page.

Next steps

We expect the local authority to take appropriate action to address the areas identified for improvement. We will monitor progress through our ongoing performance review activity with the local authority. 

We welcome the local authority sharing the positive practice identified with other local authorities, to promote learning and help drive continuous improvement in statutory services throughout Wales.

The local authority is expected to present this letter to elected members and subject it to public scrutiny through a formal and open committee meeting at the earliest opportunity. An invitation should also be extended to CIW to attend the meeting.