Manchester’s children’s services have become the first in the North West of England to be rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
The verdict of the latest inspection report published today (Tuesday 11 November) is the culmination of a remarkable turnaround since 2014, when services were found to be ‘Inadequate.’
Since then, services have been totally transformed through concerted investment, innovation and strong political and managerial leadership with a firm focus on improving services and young people’s experiences of them.
This progress was reflected in subsequent Ofsted inspections and by 2022 children’s services in Manchester were rated ‘Good.’ Now, following a three-week inspection carried out in September and October this year, inspectors have ruled that the overall effectiveness of services is ‘Outstanding’ – the highest rating possible.
In other inspection categories, the experience and progress of children in need of help and protection was found to be ‘Good’. The “compassion and care” children at risk of sexual and other criminal exploitation receive from Manchester’s Complex Safeguarding Hub, where social workers work alongside police and health professionals, is singled out as “exemplary.”
The impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families, the experience and progress of children in care and the experience of care leavers were all classed as ‘Outstanding.’
Inspectors said: “Senior leaders have high aspirations for all children to succeed in Manchester. Through their tenacious and determined efforts over many years, leaders have ensured significant improvement across all service areas. Since the last inspection, support for children needing help and protection has strengthened, children in care and care leavers’ experiences are highly positive, and the influence of children’s voices is exceptional.”
Elsewhere in the report, inspectors note that “Children in Manchester have a powerful voice” reflecting the work which is being done as part of Manchester’s bid to become an officially recognised UNICEF Child Friendly City. This involves ensuring that children and young people are heard, respected and factored into local decisions which affect them.
Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig said: “Our children deserve the best and I’m proud that Manchester City Council has become the first council in the North West to get an outstanding verdict on our children’s services. We have worked hard to transform our children’s services and I’m pleased Ofsted have found that they are among the best in the country.
“It has been a political and organisational goal to deliver high quality services, including high aspirations for our children’s services. Being recognised as outstanding is the result of years of focused improvements, strong leadership and dedication from frontline workers and managers alike. It also reflects the commitment of partners who we work with closely including the police, health services and schools.
“Providing the best quality children’s services, from safeguarding the most vulnerable to giving children the best start in life is a huge priority for our city. In recent years we have also seen significant improvements right across Manchester schools which have also been reflected in results and attainment.
“But this is not the end our improvement journey. We will continue to work hard to maintain our high standards. We want Manchester to be one of the best places to grow up and get on and to deliver the very best for the thousands of children and young people across our city who need us most.”
Cllr Julie Reid, Executive Member for Early Years, Children and Young People, said: “Social workers don’t often get the praise they deserve, but this inspection report shows the positive difference which they can make to children’s lives. It describes an engaged and positive team who build purposeful relationships to help them make the best decisions for, and with, children and their families.
“I want to thank, and congratulate, everyone who has worked so hard to get us to this point. It hasn’t been easy but it’s been immensely worthwhile.”
The full report can be read at by following this like.
