Rated GOOD by Ofsted
During the inspection, which took place from 9 to 20 June 2025, 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, one of which was the experience and progress of children in care!
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’.
Hear from our leadership team: