Decision details
Children’s Services Statutory Direction
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Decision status: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: Yes
Purpose:
The purpose of this report is to present Cabinet with the outcome of the Inspection of Local Authority Children Services (ILACS) which took place 10-21 November 2025 and published 12 January 2026 and provide the DfE update on the statutory direction to Herefordshire LA (appendix A).
Decision:
That a) Cabinet note the improvement made in Children’s Services and the positive report completed by the DFE appointed commissioner; and
b) Cabinet note the formal lifting of the statutory direction placed on Children’s Services.
Alternative options considered:
None.
Wards Affected: (All Wards);
Contact: Diane Kennett, Executive Assistant To Management Board Email: Diane.Kennett@herefordshire.gov.uk Tel: 01432 383744.
Report author: Diane Kennett
Publication date: 30/07/2026
Date of decision: 30/07/2026
Decided at meeting: 30/07/2026 - Cabinet
Date comes into force if not called in: 06/08/2026
Call-in deadline date: 05/08/2026
Current call-in Count: 0
Accompanying Documents:
- Children’s Services Statutory Direction Report
PDF 450 KB - Appendix A Herefordshire second revised statutory direction 2025
PDF 200 KB
- Appendix B for Children’s Services Statutory Direction
PDF 188 KB
- Appendix C Commissioners Report June 2026
PDF 664 KB
- Appendix E for Children’s Services Statutory Direction
PDF 113 KB
- Appendix D Children Services Business Plan
PDF 272 KB