Ofsted praise for 'good' and 'outstanding' children's services in the East Riding

Services for vulnerable children across the East Riding have been judged to be ‘good’ overall with ‘outstanding’ features by Ofsted inspectors.

A comprehensive and rigorous inspection of East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s children’s services and the East Riding Safeguarding Children Board has found them to be ‘good’ and the services for young people leaving care are described as ‘outstanding’. Services for children who need help and protection, the experiences and progress of looked-after children, adoption services, leadership, management and governance are all ranked as ‘good’.

The inspectors found that “vulnerable children in the East Riding receive good quality, well co-ordinated support that safeguards them well and improves their lives”. The inspection team praised social workers and practitioners for their excellent work in supporting children and their families.

The report says: “Children who need help and protection in the East Riding receive services that reduce risk effectively and improve their welfare.”

High quality support is provided by children's centres, youth and family services, and by staff working with children who are looked after by the council. Multi-agency work with schools and other partners is of a high standard. The report also comments positively about relationships with foster carers and the support that is available to them.

Strong and effective leadership by elected members and senior officers is recognised for prioritising the improvement of services within the council and across partner agencies.

The council’s Pathway team is highlighted for working tirelessly to support care leavers, ensuring that young people have the best possible advice, support and help. To date only five other local authorities had been judged to provide outstanding services for young people leaving care and the East Riding team is proud to join them.

Councillor Julie Abraham, the council’s portfolio holder for children, young people and education, said: “This is a report that all of our staff can be very proud of. Safeguarding our children and ensuring good development while they are in our care is the most important thing that we do".

“The report quite rightly identifies the emphasis that we, as corporate parents, put on doing everything that we can to ensure the protection and support of our vulnerable young people. We are not complacent, though, and we shall continue to learn and further develop our services with our partners to ensure that they remain relevant and responsive to the changing demands of modern day life.”

Kevin Hall, director of children’s services, said “I welcome this very positive report that reflects the tremendous dedication and skill of the staff who are working with children, young people and their families throughout the East Riding"

Bron Sanders, independent chair of the East Riding Safeguarding Children Board, added: “We are delighted that Ofsted has recognised the effectiveness of safeguarding and the strength of multi agency partnership work in the East Riding".

The Ofsted ratings place the East Riding in the top 10% of local authorities and safeguarding boards inspected to date.