OLDHAM Council is one of five local authorities in the North West to pilot the Department for Education’s National Assessment and Accreditation System (NAAS).

NASS will allow social workers to demonstrate expertise against a nationally recognised standard and it will ensure vulnerable children receive the expert, high quality support and protection they deserve.

The local authorities were chosen because of their geographical proximity and diverse workforce. Oldham will be instrumental in developing learning networks and sharing achievements to inform the national rollout.

Social workers came together to celebrate the launch of NAAS and welcomed Louise Woodward, head of NAAS for child and family social work.

Louise said “I would like to thank Oldham for being part of this programme. The confidence and ambition of the social workers is very apparent and I would like to wish them well as they begin their accreditation to gain the recognition their practice deserves.”

More than 50 social workers have already volunteered to take part in the assessment sessions which take place over the next four months.

Cllr Amanda Chadderton, cabinet member for children’s services said “Making sure all children are healthy, emotionally and mentally, and are safe is of the upmost importance to us.

“Our priority is to ensure we develop and support our social workers to be the best. Being part of the NAAS will allow us to be part of the national picture as we share our successes and understanding with colleagues across the country. It will strengthen the work we do and enable us to recruit and retain great social workers– something our vulnerable children and young people need and deserve.”