Children's services praised for improvement after damning report

An improvement notice on Liverpool's children's services has been formally lifted by the government.

It comes three years after the city council's children's services were rated as "inadequate" by education and children's social care watchdog Ofsted in a damning inspection report and placed in special measures.

An Ofsted inspection earlier this year found they were "good" in three out of four areas.

In a letter to the council, Children and Families Minister Josh MacAlister praised the commitment shown by the senior leadership team and practitioners in securing that progress.

MacAlister said: "Ofsted's view that children are a clear priority for leaders, alongside Liverpool's recognition as a Unicef Child Friendly City, underlines the importance you are placing on children's rights and on listening to children and young people.

"I also welcome the work already under way to implement the Families First reforms. These reforms are not separate from Liverpool's improvement journey; they are central to sustaining it."

He added there must now be "consistently strong delivery for children and families".

The city council's children's services had been monitored by Ofsted ever since the 2023 inspection.

The education watchdog found significant improvements in its inspection in May, but said there were areas where the authority needed to improve, including "the response to homeless children and the quality and impact of pathway plans for care leavers".

The city council said it would have to sustain its progress and address the remaining areas for improvement identified by Ofsted.

Councillor Liz Parsons, cabinet member for children's services, said: "This is official recognition that we have made substantial progress over the last three years in transforming children's services in Liverpool.

"However, we are absolutely not complacent and know there is far more to do.

"Improvement is a continuous journey and there is lots more that we need to do in order to improve outcomes for our young people."

Jenny Glennard, corporate director of children and young people's services at the city council, said: "Our work reflects a shift towards truly listening to children and young people and ensuring their voices drive improvement throughout our service.

"Our ambition is to make our services the best in the country and we are determined to achieve that."

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