Worcestershire’s Children Services rated ‘Good’ by OFSTED

During the three-week inspection in May 2023, Ofsted inspectors noted that there has been continued progress since the last inspection in 2019 and found that “the senior leadership team in WCF has continued to work effectively with political leaders to improve outcomes for children” and that “there is a coordinated drive to continue to improve children’s experiences and relationships with key partners are effective.”

The report recognised that children’s outcomes have improved as a result of family focussed, child centred early help and proportionate statutory intervention when in the best interests of children.

Tina Russell, Director for Children Services and Chief Executive for Worcestershire Children First, said: “We are delighted to receive a Good rating from Ofsted, which is testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff across all our services.

“The inspection findings reflect the values of WCF to value family life, supporting parents to care for their children well, and to balance that with taking action on our duty to protect children from harm. Our commitment to offer early help and support to all children and families, including those with children with disabilities, was recognised in the findings where Ofsted confirmed the wide range and effective offer of early help and support available.

“Overall, the thorough inspection of the services found we are making a positive difference to the lives of children and young people we are working with, and I am delighted our committed hard-working workforce have had this independent recognition.

“We remain committed to ongoing development, learning and improvement as we implement our business planning and response to the Government’s Care Review ‘Stable Homes Built on Love’.”

Councillor Andy Roberts, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “I am delighted that Ofsted has recognised that the senior leadership team in Worcestershire Children First has continued to work effectively with political leaders and partners to improve children’s experiences.

“We have kept our vision and values for children and families at the forefront of our work, even throughout the pandemic and we look forward now to working with our children and with the support of our partners, including the District Councils to address the areas for continued development identified.”

To read the report in full, please visit the Ofsted website.