Family had 17 social workers in just 18 months from 'toxic' children's services department

A family had 17 different social workers in just 18 months because of the exodus of staff from Tameside Council's 'inadequate' children's services, it has been revealed.

A report from the children's commissioner this week laid bare the 'toxic and bullying' culture at the heart of the department which led to staff leaving to work in other local authorities.

As a result, many of the staff left are inexperienced and were left fearing the management at children's services which received the lowest possible rating from Ofsted inspectors in 2016 and 2023.

The report, by commissioner Andy Couldrick, revealed that almost four in ten social workers at the council are employed from outside agencies.

And Mr Couldrick criticised the council for failing to address the issue which has been a problem for at least eight years.

READ MORE: https://www.notreallyheremedia.com/news/all-news/report-reveals-toxic-and-bullying-culture-at-failing-childrens-services-department/

He cited the example of one family who had received help from 17 different social workers in as many months.

Staff problems mean around a third of children have had three or more social workers.

A quarter of Tameside's social workers are newly qualified and often have not received proper support from the management, which was described as 'bullying'.

Staff leaving in their droves say their reasons for quitting are 'workload, poor management and a lack of security'.

In addition, as a result of having to use expensive agency staff, the council spends an average of £200 more per head of population compared with similar local authorities.