Children's Services Ofsted report published
Inspectors have judged Children's Services in Norfolk as outstanding across the board
Inspectors praised the council's child-centred
approach, the relationships between social workers and children and young people and the Inspirational strategic and operational leadership.
They recognised our shared vision and partnership framework Flourish and praised the integrated system of support we have in the county.
This has taken a tremendous amount of work over many years, both from those within the service and those, like yourselves, who work alongside us.
You might remember that inspectors visited us back in February and looked at five areas: the impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families; the experiences and progress of children who need help and protection; the experiences and progress of children in care; the experiences and progress of care leavers, and our overall effectiveness.
The publication of the report was delayed due to local elections, but I am pleased to say the grade for each area is outstanding. You can read the full report on the Ofsted website:
Norfolk County Council - Ofsted Inspection Report
Inspectors said: Children in Norfolk receive consistently strong services that impact positively on their and their families' lives. Since the previous inspection in November 2022, leaders have relentlessly continued to strengthen and enhance practice for children, young people and their families.
Ofsted praised the well-established partnership working within CADS,
and said children in care are well supported in education
, highlighting the positive difference the virtual school makes.
This success is down to the whole partnership of services across our county and shows how well we are working together to keep children safe and to support children in care and care leavers.
It builds on the good Ofsted report we achieved in 2022 and the sustained improvements we have made over many years. I know many of you will have been on that journey with us and I want to thank you for your support and your continued commitment to our children and young people.
This judgement puts us in a strong position as we navigate the changes that are coming through social care and SEND reforms and local government changes. The priority will be to continue to ensure that Norfolk's children and young people can flourish.
Sara Tough OBE
Executive Director, Children's Services
