What does the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act mean for children’s social care?

The children’s social care market is often described as “broken” – including by the government itself. Too many children end up in unsuitable settings, the quality of care varies sharply across the country, and costs have risen to levels that put severe pressure on local authority budgets. So, what does the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act, which has recently received Royal Assent, mean for the government’s programme to reform children’s social care? After a short presentation on new analysis from the Institute for Government, this event – featuring the Minister for Children and Families – examined how government can ensure its reforms are implemented effectively and deliver lasting improvements in children’s social care. To discuss all this and more, the IfG brought together an expert panel, including: Amber Dellar, Researcher at the Institute for Government Josh MacAlister OBE MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Children and Families) at the Department for Education Rachael Wardell OBE, Immediate Past President of the Association of Directors of Children's Services This event was chaired by Stuart Hoddinott, Associate Director at the Institute for Government.