TROUBLED children's social care services at Sandwell Council are to be taken over and run by a trust, the government announced today.

The decision coincides with the release of an Ofsted report which highlights the "positive progress" being made by the council in improving services to children.

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “We have made changes and improvements to children’s social care services in Sandwell and are pleased to receive positive feedback from Ofsted after its most recent visit.

“The Ofsted report indicates that we are moving in the right direction and making improvements to the service.

"However, we know there is more to do to improve the quality of social care and accept we must accelerate the pace of change. For this reason, we acknowledge intervention can help us reach the high standards we are determined to achieve.

“We have held extensive discussions with the department for education  about the future of children’s social care and made representations to the minister.

"We made it clear we do not agree that setting up a trust is the best way forward to improve services.

“While disappointed with the decision, our commitment and focus remains the same; making sure children are at the heart of everything we do and our priority is to ensure the trust is a success.”

Edward Timpson MP, minister for vulnerable children and families, announced his decision following recommendations made by commissioner Eleanor Brazil, who was appointed to work in Sandwell earlier this year.

Commissioner Malcolm Newsam has been appointed to work with the council to establish the trust and continue with improvements during the interim period.

Councillor Hackett added: “I have already met with Malcolm and held positive discussions about the service. By working closely with him and the DfE we will continue to improve the quality of social care and shape the direction of the new trust.

“Our employees will play a crucial role in the process of creating an environment of high quality social care. They are central to everything that we do and can be reassured by our total commitment to them. It is only with their hard work and dedication that we can continue to raise the level of the service.”

Today’s report published by Ofsted acknowledges that social workers in Sandwell now have reduced caseloads as a result of additional investment by the council.

Inspectors also highlighted that children were now being seen more quickly and where there is a child protection concern, they are seen on the same day they are referred to the service. This was noted as a “demonstrable improvement”.