Children’s Services at BCP Council have been rated as ‘good’ by government inspectors in a major turnaround from their last inspection four years ago.
Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills) looked at the whole journey a child might take with Children’s Services and the role of council leaders.
The inspection found a ‘positively transformed service, unrecognisable from that found at the last inspection in 2021’ when they were rated as ‘inadequate’.
Cllr Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council, said improving Children’s Services had been, and remained, an overriding priority for the whole council.
Cathi Hadley, Director of Children’s Services, said: “Keeping children safe and supported is the absolute goal of our Children’s Services department.
“We are extremely proud and delighted that Ofsted have recognised our hard work and determination to deliver a good service for the children of BCP.
“This ‘good’ rating is the culmination of a huge ongoing effort from everyone involved in delivering better Children’s Services, from social workers, support staff, politicians, parents and carers.”
John Coughlan CBE, the Government’s Improvement Adviser for BCP Council, said: “I am delighted on behalf of BCP Council for this exceptional outcome.
“In my experience it is very unusual for authorities which have been in intervention to receive such a strong inspection result at this stage.
“The Council’s leadership, including Cathi Hadley and her team, should be very proud because they have worked hard for this achievement.
“It is very good news for the vulnerable children of the area.
“It is now vital that the whole council and its partners continue to work together to build upon this success and especially to ensure they are never allowed to deteriorate again.”