Oxfordshire County Council's children's services 'good'

This marked the second such positive assessment, with the same services also deemed to be 'good' during the last inspection held in 2018.

Inspectors noted multiple improvements across the council's services since 2018.

Ofsted judged the council’s children’s services as good across all five areas of inspection criteria.

These are overall effectiveness, impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families, experiences and progress of children who need help and protection, experiences and progress of children in care and experiences and progress of care leavers.

Ofsted said: "The chief executive officer is ambitious for children and has a good understanding of the priorities for improving the lives of the most vulnerable children.

“Strong political and corporate support has continued and has ensured that the children’s directorate has received ongoing investment to develop and strengthen services for vulnerable children.

"The newly appointed permanent director of children’s services, together with political and corporate leaders, are committed to, and ambitious for, children and young people."

Councillor John Howson (Image: Newsquest)

Councillor John Howson, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for children, education and young people’s services, said: "This result is testament to the incredible hard work and dedication of our children services teams, supporting and protecting some of the most vulnerable young people and families in the county".

Inspectors said: "Children and young people who need help and protection receive proportionate and timely support.

“Families benefit from a range of specialist services, including clinical support, to reduce risks to children because of parental domestic abuse and substance misuse."

The Ofsted team also noted that social workers demonstrated a "good" understanding of their children and their circumstances.

The inspectors continued: "Many children have stable relationships with their social workers, who undertake creative life-story and direct work.

"A range of age-appropriate tools are used so that children are able to understand their plans.

"Many care leavers appreciate the impactful help that they receive, including a range of practical assistance.

“Care leavers who arrive in the UK as unaccompanied asylum-seeking children are well supported by social workers who get to know them well.

"They live in suitable homes and are helped to learn English and develop their independence skills."

Mr Howson added: “Independent external scrutiny is important in endorsing the progress we’ve made since the previous inspection in 2018.

"It also gives us guidance on where further improvements are needed.

"We will work tirelessly to continue to provide an outstanding service for every child and young person.”

The inspections were carried out under the government's Inspecting Local Authority Children’s Services initiative.