Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 60
60
Accepted
Ensure specialist disabled children workforce inclusion in strategy and review social worker training.
Conclusion
The Department should ensure that the specialist workforce for disabled children is included in the children’s social care workforce strategy that we have recommended. The Department must review the training provided to children and families social workers and ensure that social workers are being adequately trained in the specific needs of disabled children and their families and the distinct type of assessment processes that are needed for this group. (Recommendation, Paragraph 146) Keeping children safe
Government Response Summary
The government is supporting the children's social care workforce, including through the Families First Partnership Programme for training pathways. It has also consulted on new post-qualifying standards and induction support focusing on practice areas like working with disabled children and their families, and is reviewing qualifications and training access for residential care.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
We recognise the critical importance of the children’s social care workforce and are committed to improving recruitment, retention and training across the sector. While pay and staffing remain the responsibility of local authorities and providers, we are supporting the sector through provision of advice and practical tools, in addition to national programmes. Through the Families First Partnership Programme, we are working with local and national partners to gather evidence and shape future workforce support, including enhanced training pathways, professional development, and recruitment strategies. We train an average of 850 new social workers each year through our national graduate training programmes: Approach Social Work and Step Up to Social Work. We have recently consulted on new post- qualifying standards (PQS) and induction support to strengthen early-career development, recognising the importance of this stage of a social workers career and providing opportunities to focus on important areas of practice, including working with disabled children and their families. For residential care, we are reviewing qualifications and training access to ensure staff are equipped to meet children’s needs and keep them safe.