What is a joint area review (JAR)?
Joint Area Review (JAR) is a new method of inspection for children’s services which replaces a number of seperate inspection programmes. This also reflects new guidelines which say that the wellbeing of children and young people is a multi-agency responsibility, so all children’s services are inspected together. This is not just local authority services, but also health services, Connexions, Police, Probation and all publicly funded community and voluntary organisations. JAR inspections are led by Ofsted and the Audit Commission who are acting on behalf of many other inspectorates. Halton was inspected between 31 March and 7 April this year. JAR judges the contribution that the council and its partners in the local area are making to improve outcomes for Children and Young People. The emphasis is on how improve the 5 Every Child Matters outcomes for vulnerable groups.
The services reviewed in the JAR include council services, health services, police and probation services, and publicly funded services provided by voluntary bodies. Evidence from other inspections, such as schools, further education colleges and residential settings contribute to the review. JARs • focus on the five outcomes for children and young people • evaluate the collective contribution made to the outcomes for children and young people by relevant services in the area • make specific judgements about the quality of management and leadership of the council’s principal education and children’s social care services and other services, where there is sufficient evidence • whilst reporting on the well-being of all children and young people in the local area – covering universal, preventative and targeted services – inspectors pay particular attention to children and young people who are vulnerable, such as those looked after by the council and/or those with learning difficulties or
