How we are improving... Case reviews in Lincolnshire

Council Lincolnshire County Council
Performance Percentage of looked-after children whose cases were reviewed within the required timescales.

Lincolnshire has received a glowing Ofsted report for its safeguarding procedures this month. The authority's overall effectiveness of safeguarding services and capacity to improve was rated as "outstanding". One of the areas picked out for praise in its looked-after children's services is the timely manner in which reviews are conducted.

Inspectors found: "Investigations, child protection conferences and reviews are rigorous and timely. Well-written and detailed plans are provided to child protection conferences, which are well attended. Overall, social workers are knowledgeable and energetic, and pursue agreed plans tenaciously."

Since 2006, Lincolnshire has made improvements in the percentage of looked-after children cases that are reviewed in required timescales. Then the authority was lagging behind the national average with 66.5 per cent of cases being reviewed on time. Since then there has been a vast improvement, with 93.6 per cent of cases being reviewed in time in the year ending 31 March 2009.

Responding to the report, director of children's services Peter Duxbury says: "We will look forward to taking a full part in the recently announced review of safeguarding services being conducted by Dr Eileen Munro. There are perhaps some key lessons here for Dr Munro in relation to the importance of a positive culture on the frontline supported by strong and clear leadership."

2006
England 78.9%
Lincolnshire 66.5%

2007
England 85.3%
Lincolnshire 90.2%

2008
England 90%
Lincolnshire 93.9%

2009
England 90.9%
Lincolnshire 93.6%