Biggest Overhaul in a Generation for Children’s Social Care

The government’s announcement of the most significant overhaul to children’s social care in a generation represents a much-needed shift toward addressing systemic issues that have persisted for years. Read the independent review of children’s social care final report here.

The focus on early intervention and the crackdown on exploitative care providers marks a step in the right direction, aligning with key priorities long advocated by the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector. However, for these reforms to succeed, collaboration must go beyond token gestures, with meaningful partnerships and recognition of the unique strengths each sector brings to the table.  

The government’s pledge to emphasise early intervention is a critical move. The current system has too often operated in crisis mode, intervening only when problems have already escalated. By rebalancing the system to support families before issues reach a breaking point, these reforms have the potential to improve outcomes for children and reduce the strain on local authorities.

The introduction of multi-agency child safeguarding teams and a consistent child *identifier (*a code that confirms a person’s identity and enables appropriate information sharing once relevant agreements are in place) will enhance communication and coordination among professionals, preventing vulnerable children from falling through the cracks.  

Equally important is the plan to encourage non-profit and socially driven providers to take a more prominent role in the children’s care market. For too long, excessive profiteering by some private providers has drained resources from the system, diverting funds that should be invested directly in children’s well-being. The new financial transparency requirements and proposed profit caps are welcome measures that will challenge exploitative practices and promote accountability. 

The VCSE sector has consistently called for early intervention and better regulation of the care market. These reforms align with those priorities, demonstrating that the government is listening. However, to truly transform the system, collaboration with the VCSE sector must be meaningful and sustained. The sector’s deep connections to communities, innovative approaches, and commitment to social impact make it a vital partner in delivering these reforms effectively. 

Meaningful collaboration requires recognising the value of each sector’s contributions. Local authorities, private providers, and the VCSE sector each bring distinct strengths to the table. The VCSE sector, for instance, is often better equipped to provide tailored, community-based support that complements statutory services and is something they have campaigned for for a very long time.

By fostering genuine partnerships and co-designing solutions, the government can leverage these strengths to create a more holistic and effective system. 

Additionally, while these reforms are ambitious, they must be underpinned by adequate funding and resources. The challenges facing children’s social care are immense, and progress will be limited without significant investment in the workforce, preventative services, and the infrastructure needed to support these changes. The upcoming Local Government Finance Settlement will be a key test of the government’s commitment to delivering on its promises. 

The VCSE sector’s expertise and passion for improving children’s lives make it a natural ally in this effort. But collaboration must go beyond consultation and include active participation in decision-making and implementation. Only through genuine partnership can these reforms achieve their full potential, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment. 

You can find out more on the Gov.UK website here and read more about the children's social care placements survey from the Local Government Association here.

The Department of Health and Social Care, along with the Department for Education, have announced a funding boost amounting to £126 million aimed at improving early years services for families and children. This investment will specifically target areas with high levels of deprivation, offering a wide array of support from pregnancy through to the child's early years. Read more here .