Mary Angell, Cabinet Members for Children & Families, had tabled a motion commending the Service for the result of a recent inspection, especially with the increased level of public concern regarding the safety of vulnerable children. The motion was in response to an unannounced Ofsted Inspection of Child Protection, in September of this year, which highlighted that:
· Inspectors saw good examples of social workers listening to children learn how they feel and what they think should happen;
· Council bosses have a clear view of how they want to develop services to protect children and to make sure they get the help they need at the right time;
· When a child is at risk of immediate harm social workers respond quickly and effectively to protect them.
Mary said: "As every member of this Council is a corporate parent, I think it is a great shame and hugely disappointing that the Lib Dems couldn't bring themselves to vote for this motion, which quite rightly supports and congratulates our Children's Service, particularly the staff and social workers who work so hard in the best interests of Surrey's looked-after children."