Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to develop strong leadership in children's social work.

Strong leadership in children’s social work is essential for improving outcomes for children and families in need of help and protection.

The knowledge and skills expected of social workers are set out in the post-qualifying standards for practitioners and practice supervisors, and the knowledge and skills statements for practice leaders. The national assessment and accreditation system was set up to embed these standards, and more than 700 Practice Supervisors have been accredited to date.

Through our professional development programmes, the department supports leaders in social work to continue to develop the knowledge and skills needed to provide the best possible services for children and families.

For example, this year the department is investing £3 million in our leadership programmes, supporting more than 750 leaders across 110 local authorities. These programmes support leaders from practice supervisor level through to the Directors of Children’s Services.

Additionally, this year the department is investing £1.4 million to support the strengthening of corporate and political leadership across children’s services, working with the Local Government Association.