Ofsted highlights accelerating pace of improvement in Cheshire East children’s services

Cheshire East Council has welcomed positive feedback from Ofsted, with inspectors recognising "an increase in the pace of change" across children’s services as improvements continue to gather momentum.

The council’s fifth monitoring visit took place in September and focused on its response to children at risk of extra-familial harm, particularly those at risk of exploitation or who go missing from home or care. 

The newly published Ofsted letter highlights committed, persistent and relationship-based practice with children, alongside examples of where support is making a tangible difference to young people’s lives. 

Inspectors also recognised the council’s continued strong leadership focus on improving the quality of practice, strengthened quality assurance arrangements and a robust improvement plan. The report acknowledges the council’s unwavering commitment to children’s services, including significant financial investment to support meaningful and sustainable improvements for children and families. 

The findings reflect the progress being made while also recognising that the council remains focused on further improvement. Ofsted identified areas where more work is needed, including strengthening the quality and impact of assessments and plans, enhancing management oversight and ensuring exploitation risk assessments are completed alongside children and family assessments to provide a clearer understanding of risks facing children. 

Councillor Laura Crane, cabinet member for children’s services at Cheshire East Council said:

“This report clearly shows that the improvements we have made are making a real difference for children and families across Cheshire East. It is particularly encouraging to see Ofsted recognise the increased pace of change, the strength of our leadership and our commitment to delivering better outcomes for children. 

“While we are pleased that inspectors have acknowledged the progress being made, we know there is still more to do. We remain focused on driving improvement, strengthening practice and ensuring every child receives the right support at the right time. 

“I want to thank our dedicated staff, partners and families for their continued commitment and support as we continue this important improvement journey.” 

As part of its commitment to sustained improvement, Cheshire East Council is continuing to invest in its children's services workforce and is recruiting to a number of key roles across the service. The council is keen to hear from experienced social workers and team managers who are looking to join a supportive organisation with a strong focus on improvement, relationship-based practice and better outcomes for children. 

Anyone interested in becoming part of the journey can find out more at the dedicated children's services careers microsite:

https://ce-childrens-services.co.uk/