Proposals for the joint inspection of multi-agency arrangements for the protection of children

Overview

Ofsted, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC), Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons are committed to the introduction of a new joint inspection of multi-agency arrangements for the protection of children in England.

These inspections will focus on the effectiveness of local authority and partners’ services for children who may be at risk of harm, including the effectiveness of early identification and early help.

The inspectorates intend to begin these new inspections by June 2013 and to publish the arrangements for the inspections by April 2013.

In addition, these inspections may trigger inspection activity by Her Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI).

Why We Are Consulting

This consultation seeks your views on the proposals for these new inspections.

We welcome your responses to our consultation and your views on any aspect of the arrangements for the joint inspection of the multi-agency arrangements for the protection of children in a local authority area. Please use the comments sections provided to raise additional points not covered by our questions.

The consultation remains open until 2 October 2012.

During the consultation, we want to engage as widely as possible with all interested parties to hear their views.

We will be engaging in face-to-face meetings with key stakeholders throughout the consultation period. We will also ensure that we hear the views of children, young people and families.