OFSTED Grants Salford City Council Children’s Services an Impressive “Good” Rating, Highlighting Exceptional Leadership and Support for Care Leavers
Salford City Council’s Children’s Services has been given a rating of ‘Good’ by OFSTED, with ‘Outstanding’ marks in half of the judgment areas. This positive result comes after the service was previously rated as ‘Good’ in all areas during a 2018 inspection. The inspection, conducted by the government body OFSTED, focused on services providing education and care for children and young people. The report highlights the council’s strong support for care leavers and effective leadership in delivering children’s services. Inspectors praised the dedicated workers and managers in the care leaver service and the skilled social workers. The report also commended the strong and effective multi-agency partnership in Salford. The council’s workforce strength and senior leadership team were recognized as key factors in the positive rating. The council’s commitment to listening to children, care leavers, and staff and using their input to inform strategic planning and investment was also praised. This improved rating reflects the council’s efforts to continuously improve its services. Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett expressed his pride in the council’s work and commitment to supporting children and young people. However, he also acknowledged the challenges faced due to government-imposed austerity, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis. The council will continue to fight for more funding to support its residents, children, young people, and families. Councillor Jim Cammell, Lead Member for Children’s and Young People’s Services, emphasized the positive working environment, support for staff, and the ongoing commitment to improvement. Chief Executive Tom Stannard expressed his pride in the Children’s Services team and their dedication to supporting children and families. The OFSTED inspection was seen as a benchmarking opportunity to compare the council’s work with other local authorities.
