A joint inspection found children in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are usually receiving the right support when concerns are first raised, while partners plan further improvements. Children at risk in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are getting timely help, inspectors found. A Joint Targeted Area Inspection looked at the front door to children’s services, where concerns about children are first received and assessed by local organisations working together through the BCP Safeguarding Children Partnership. Inspectors said working relationships between BCP Council, police, health an
Children at risk in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are getting timely help, inspectors found.
A Joint Targeted Area Inspection looked at the front door to children’s services, where concerns about children are first received and assessed by local organisations working together through the BCP Safeguarding Children Partnership.
Inspectors said working relationships between BCP Council, police, health and other partners are helping professionals decide what support or protection a child may need, and highlighted information sharing in the safeguarding hub.
Juliette Blake, interim corporate director of children’s services at BCP Council, said “what happens next really matters” when someone is worried about a child, and thanked staff and partners for their care and commitment.
The report also recognised joint work on children who are missing, exploited or trafficked, while Councillor Richard Burton said partners would create more safe ways for children’s voices to shape decisions because “there is more to do”.
Further work will focus on children’s views, changing needs, Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme disclosures and health safeguarding support, with Shelagh Meldrum from NHS Dorset leading a joint statement of action for Ofsted by 23 February 2027.
See more at files.ofsted.gov.uk.
