‘An unwavering commitment to improving and enriching the lives of children and their families’ – Ofsted inspectors have rated our children’s services outstanding for the second consecutive time.
Achieving the highest possible rating of ‘outstanding’ in all areas for the first time means we are one of only five in the country to receive such an accolade.
Ofsted inspectors visited us in November 2024 and spent a week speaking to staff and those who access services and support like children in care, care leavers, foster carers, adopters and more.
And these conversations made it abundantly clear to inspectors that children and families have access to services that ‘improve their lives and wellbeing’ in North Tyneside.
From an ‘exceptional’ early help service when needs are first identified, through to a ‘meaningful’ support offer for care leavers, inspectors noted that no matter the age, need or vulnerability of a child they receive the best support possible.
The glowing report celebrates the positive culture where social workers and all colleagues are supported to do their best for children, where staff feel supported, cared for and where their wellbeing is a priority.
Dame Norma Redfearn DBE, Elected Mayor of North Tyneside, said: “I can’t say enough about how proud I am of each, and every colleague involved in this amazing achievement.
“We know just how brilliant the support we offer children is, but to once again hear from Ofsted just how lifechanging our services for children are, is not something I will ever take for granted.
“The inspectors talk about just how passionate and skilled our colleagues are, how they show unwavering commitment to those they support, and I am pleased that they were able to see what we see every single day -a service that really, truly cares.
“This result does not just belong to us. Supporting children to this standard is not possible alone. Our colleagues could not do what they do without our carers, schools, the local police, youth services, health and all of our partners– thank you to them all too.”
Cllr Peter Earley, Cabinet Member for supporting and protecting children at North Tyneside Council, said: “When we talk to our young people, they tell us that they want to live happy, safe and healthy lives that are full of opportunity.
“I am delighted that Ofsted’s report tell us what we already know that our services listen to what our young people want, and make sure that their voice is at the heart of everything we do.
“For the children and young people, we support, it is fantastic to know that we are doing absolutely everything we can to help them to overcome challenges, achieve their potential and thrive.”
Yvette Stanley, National Director for Ofsted, said: “This outstanding inspection outcome reflects the continue determination of the leadership team, managers and frontline staff, as well as the wider council and its safeguarding partners.
“They should all be proud of the sustained positive difference they have made for children and families in North Tyneside over time. “
North Tyneside’s report also found:
- Life story work is exceptional and this innovative work helps children to accept and integrate their past, make sense of their present, and develop a clear sense of identity for children’s futures.
- From early help, through to the edge of care service, families are routinely offered family network meetings, which help to harness support from extended families and friends to keep children safer.
- Leaders, managers and social workers have an unstinting commitment to helping children to achieve security, stability and a sense of belonging.
- Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children receive sensitive and effective response to their needs. Impressively their cultural and linguistic needs are understood, and great care is taken to ensure they understand the area in which they live, and their rights and entitlements.
- Care leavers’ views are valued by senior leaders and are used to inform service design.
- Partnership arrangements are extremely strong. Senior leaders and senior council members are influential in bringing partners together, including housing, police, health and education.
You can read our full Ofsted report here.
Find out more about career opportunities in our Children’s Services here.