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Ofsted inspectors visited ȫ��̽�� County Council in December 2024 to look at the council’s arrangements for children in care.

The inspection report published today (13 January 2025) highlights significant strides have been made since the full children’s services inspection in May 2023 where an overall judgement of Good was achieved, showcasing the council’s commitment to delivering high-quality care and support to children and families in the county.

Key findings from the inspection include:

• enhanced strategic oversight of permanence planning for children in care
• more children benefiting from foster homes that are well-matched to their needs and where they are settled
• legal permanence achieved through special guardianship orders, adoption, or the discharge of care orders following reunification with parents
• social workers are attuned to disabled children’s needs and advocate effectively for them
• children told inspectors they like where they live and feel happy and well cared for

The inspection also praised the council for successfully navigating major changes, including the reintegration Children’s Services back to the County Council in October 2024 and the smooth transition following the departure of the long-standing director of children’s services in July 2024. Inspectors commented that these changes have been managed without disrupting services for children and families, thanks to the stability provided by a skilled and experienced senior leadership team.

Councillor Steve Mackay, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at ȫ��̽�� County Council, expressed pride in the progress made: “This inspection confirms the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in our children’s services. Our commitment to improving the lives of children and families across ȫ��̽�� remains steadfast, and it is heartening to see the positive outcomes highlighted in this report. While we acknowledge there is still work to be done, particularly in further reducing caseloads, we have robust strategies in place to ensure every child should receive the support they deserve. I am heartened inspectors recognised improvements have been made in engaging with children to influence service development and delivery.”

The council’s leadership team has reaffirmed its dedication to sustaining and building on these achievements. Strategies to further reduce caseloads and enhance service delivery are already underway, ensuring children and families in ȫ��̽�� continue to receive the best possible care and support.

You can read the inspection report in full on the .