Children’s Services

This award is open to a single council or where appropriate a partnership of councils, or a council-owned company. Private sector partners can enter on a council’s behalf, with the permission of the council itself.

Children’s Services are very much a service under pressure. There is an imperative to protect vulnerable children, the importance of early intervention and the changing relationship with schools – all under an intense media spotlight. This award is intended to recognise the success of those councils that adopt a genuinely strategic approach to this vital service area.

Submissions should focus on:

• The council’s approach to meeting the needs of:  
  • children who need help and protection, including early help;
  • children looked after, including adoption, fostering and the use of residential care;
  • young people leaving care or preparing to leave care;
• The council’s main achievements (supported by evidence), with a particular focus on tangible improvements in the lives of children and young people;
• The steps you took to secure those achievements and the most important drivers of change;
• Any innovative approaches you have adopted, including in their relationship with schools.

Award entries will be judged on:

• The scale of the council’s ambition in this area and the extent to which it is being achieved;
• The extent to which you have adopted a strategic approach to children’s services, including early intervention;
• The quality of your relationship with schools, the health service and other key agencies;
• The impact of your service on the lives of children and young people.