Why social workers deserve more respect – The Yorkshire Post says

When their sustained diligence improves the outlook of those in their care, especially young children, the confidential nature of this work prevents social services staff receiving due recognition.

‘It was quite emotional’: Yorkshire social workers reduced to tears by Ofsted report after huge improvements

And the consequence of this means that these professionals are invariably only in the spotlight in 
those very rare instances, such as the murder of Keighley toddler Star Hobson, that regrettably end in terrible tragedy.

This is the context to Ofsted’s formal recognition this week of the improvements that have taken place in Wakefield’s children’s services after the department’s work was judged to be “inadequate” in 2018.

Now rated ‘good’, council bosses say the rate of progress is “almost unprecedented” and can be attributed, in part, to the leadership shown by Vicky Schofield following her past work in Rotherham.

Her changes included reducing the number of cases that each staff member dealt with – and making sure there was sufficient support so social workers felt valued.

What is refreshing is Ms Schofield’s desire to do even better and her warning that the “complex problems” faced by her team on a daily basis “are not easily tackled over a computer screen”.

Sentiments that will be widely shared by all social workers whose tireless work is worthy of far more respect, they also deserve the endorsement of the public and, hopefully, Ministers too.

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