Children’s services in North Tyneside have been rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.
The landmark rating follows a rigorous inspection of its children’s social care services.
Inspectors assessed the council and its partners on the effectiveness of services to help and protect children, the experiences and progress of children in care – including adoption, fostering and the use of residential care – and care leavers.
And in the glowing report, social work is described as ‘thriving’ and ‘transformational’, children and families who need extra support are “really benefiting” from the services, while an “impressive level of investment in participation and engagement is empowering children and young people”.
Published today (April 15), the report also details how swift action taken by the council ensures at risk children are protected and safeguarded.
Inspectors also highlighted the council’s partnerships with others, such as the health services, police and educational teams, as a strength – with its multi-agency safeguarding hub commended for making sure children get the right level of help and protection at the right time.
Staff also won high praise for making a difference to children’s and families’ lives, while leaders are hailed for their determination to make life happier and better for children and sharing a “relentless commitment” for continuous improvement within the service.
Welcoming the report, North Tyneside Elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn CBE said: “I am delighted to share this brilliant news.
“The health, wellbeing and safety of our children and young people is at the very heart of this council and we work extremely hard to make sure they are safe and cared for – and I am pleased that Ofsted has recognised this.
“The outcome is testament to our fantastic teams and our partners, and I must thank them for always working so very hard. The fact that the service received this result despite the inspection taking place in early March, during the start of the global coronavirus pandemic, makes it even more impressive.”
Inspectors also commented on governance arrangements, describing them as “extremely robust” and the council’s commitment to openness and transparency enables elected members to provide an appropriate level of rigorous scrutiny.
Cllr Peter Earley, cabinet member for Children, Young People and Learning, said: “The inspection gave our teams the opportunity to showcase their excellent work. The outcome gives our residents, and especially the families and young people we work with, the confidence that we a providing high-quality services.
“Social care can be complex and difficult work, with daily challenges to safeguard children in difficult circumstances, but the council is absolutely committed to protecting children.
“While we are absolutely thrilled with the result, we are not complacent, and we will continue to be ambitious and build on our success to ensure the best outcomes for our young people.”
Yvette Stanley, Ofsted’s National Director for Social Care, added: “Senior leaders, the front line and wider safeguarding partners have worked tirelessly to achieve this well-deserved outcome. Inspectors were impressed by high calibre social work and leadership, which are clearly having a positive impact on the lives of children and families in North Tyneside.”
Ofsted inspectors were impressed with the regional adoption agency, Adopt North East, which is hosted by North Tyneside Council. Prospective adopters are carefully and properly assessed and prepared, ensuring their ability to provide the love, warmth, comfort and security that children need.
Inspectors also noted that children live in “good quality placements” and that every effort is made to make sure that children can safely enjoy family time with those people who matter most to them – the council “pull out all the stops” to try and make sure it happens.
They also praised the local authority for being in touch with virtually all of its care leavers, the vast majority of whom are living in safe and suitable accommodation.
A link to the report can be found here: Ofsted report.
