Ofsted hails ‘vast improvements’ at children’s services

Ofsted has said that “vast improvements” have been made to children’s services as a new inspection report was released.

Individual service areas were judged Good, while the “Impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families” was  judged Outstanding in a report published today (January 12) following a full inspection of the service in November.

Ofsted praised how “a visible and effective leadership team, supported by corporate and political leaders has enabled vast improvements in the services delivered to children and their families”.

“This marks a significant achievement for Herefordshire, reflecting the hard work and dedication of practitioners, managers, elected members and partners,” the inspectors said.

They concluded that “views of children and their families inform the development of services”, while leaders were described as “understanding what children in care and care leavers need”.

Initiatives by the council have meanwhile “successfully stabilised the workforce”.

Ofsted’s report did say more oversight was needed of the local authority designated officer role, and to identify and assess children living in private fostering.

Leader of Herefordshire Council Coun Jonathan Lester said: “When I was elected Leader in 2023 I reaffirmed the council’s number one priority to restore public confidence in our children’s services.

“Safeguarding the most vulnerable in our society is the most important responsibility we hold as a council. Today’s Ofsted judgement is a significant milestone, but our commitment to safeguarding and improving lives will never stop.”

The council’s chief executive Paul Walker said: “The systems that we have put in place will allow us to continue to build on our achievements and deliver the best possible services for children and young people in our county.”

Thanking council staff, elected members and partners, Cabinet member for children and young people Coun Ivan Powell said the input f families “has been fundamental in ensuring that we offer children, young people and their families the best possible support when they need it the most”.

The council’s director of children’s services Tina Russells said she was “very proud of the children’s workforce who have worked through some very challenging times, but who have maintained their commitment to make a positive difference to the children and families they work with”.