County council Children’s Services judged Good with Outstanding elements by Ofsted
During the inspection, which took place from June 9 to 20 this year, the inspection team found the council’s Children’s Services to be Good in its overall effectiveness, with judgements of Outstanding in two of four categories, and good in the remaining two categories.
Services showed significant improvement since the last full inspection when they were judged to require improvement in 2022.
Ofsted found that ‘children in care experience exceptional care and support’ and that those who need help and protection ‘benefit from high-quality, effective early help services’.
The experiences and progress of children in care was judged to be Outstanding by inspectors. They found that ‘children enter care at the right time and live in stable homes where they are well supported, and their needs are met’.
Leaders were also singled out for praise, where their impact on social work practice with children and families was found to be Outstanding. Ofsted said that leaders ‘have been relentless in their ambition to improve children’s lives… systematically creating the conditions for success.’, adding that, ‘as a result, social work practice is now strong in all areas and the experiences and progress of vulnerable children are much improved’.
Cllr Ben Evans, Cabinet Member for Children's Safeguarding and Care at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “I am delighted that our Children’s Services have been judged Good by Ofsted and that it is a marked improvement since the 2022 inspection.
“The systems that have been put in place will allow us to continue to improve and deliver consistently positive outcomes for all children and young people in Gloucestershire.”
Ann James, Director of Children’s Services at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “This has been a team effort, with dedicated practitioners, managers, partners and elected members all pulling together for our most vulnerable children and families. I am proud that inspectors could see the impact of the improvements we have made.
“I would like to pay tribute to the staff within the service who have worked tirelessly to help us achieve this outcome.
“We are committed to continuing to improve our Children’s Services.”