Ofsted has rated our children’s social care services as ‘Outstanding’ again in every area assessed. The report, published today, follows their inspection in June this year.
Inspectors found high standards were in place across the county. They highlighted the innovative, high-quality help and support available. They also praised employees and how children’s needs are at the heart of decision making. Leaders were praised for being “outward looking and forward thinking”.
Ofsted also rated our children’s social care services ‘Outstanding’ in 2018. Since then, they found further improvements have been made.
Councillor Beverley Egan, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Early Years, said:
Achieving an Outstanding Ofsted rating is a fantastic achievement for everyone working in children’s social care in Essex, as well as our partners. Our success is a testament to them, and I want to say thank you to every person who has played a part in this rating.
The report recognises how we have invested in our staff, improved practice and developed innovative methods, but continued to ensure at the heart of everything we do is the drive to improve the lives of vulnerable children and their families.
While this report is fantastic news, we are not complacent, and I can assure residents we will continue working to further improve our services.
Councillor Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council Leader, added:
An incredible amount of hard work has gone into securing this Ofsted rating and it shows how committed Essex County Council as an authority, as well as all of our staff, is to providing the highest possible standard of support for vulnerable children across Essex. Our work is making a real difference to their lives, and it brilliant to see our efforts recognised by Ofsted.
I could not be prouder of this achievement. Congratulations to all involved.
Hear more about the report from Councillor Egan in this video:
Read the full Ofsted report to find out more.