Coventry Children’s Services rated ‘outstanding’ after 12-year improvement journey

Coventry City Council’s Children’s Services has been awarded an ‘outstanding’ rating by Ofsted, marking a major milestone in a transformation programme that has seen the service progress from ‘inadequate’ 12 years ago to the inspectorate’s highest grading.

The official announcement was made on 18 May following a short ILACS inspection carried out in March 2026. Inspectors judged the overall effectiveness of the service as ‘outstanding’, with the experiences and progress of children in care, care leavers, and the impact of leaders on social work practice all receiving the top rating. The experiences and progress of children in need of help and protection was rated ‘good’.

A team of seven inspectors visited the authority during the second week of the two-week inspection, meeting with staff and teams across Children’s and Education Services.

Ofsted praised the authority’s leadership and long-term commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. The report stated: “Political and corporate leaders, partners and local business leaders have been relentless in their determination for children in Coventry to succeed. Impressive, outward-looking leaders have demonstrated an unwavering ambition and commitment to children in Coventry”.

Inspectors added: “They have continued to strengthen the quality and impact of services, despite considerable external challenges of the number of children living in poverty and a significant rise in demand for services”.

Sukriti Sen, Director of Children’s and Education Services at Coventry City Council, said the outcome reflected the city’s focus on partnership working and listening to children and families.

“This finding reflects the brilliant work that has been carried out in the city over recent years, and the determination of everyone involved to put the welfare of children, young people and families at the heart of all we do,” she said.

“We are proud to be a child-friendly city and we work closely with our partners, communities and families to give our children and young people a voice and to ensure that they are heard. Thank you to everyone who has helped on this incredible journey over the years and to all who dedicate themselves to improving the lives of Coventry’s children and giving them the best possible start in life.”

The report highlighted a range of services and initiatives, including Family Hubs, the Fostering Service, the Virtual School, the Lifelong Links scheme and work with unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, who inspectors described as “highly-valued”. Inspectors also praised the House Project for care leavers, the Safe Spaces scheme and workforce development initiatives designed to reduce reliance on agency staff.

Among the report’s findings were that workforce morale is high, children’s wishes and feelings are “sensitively gathered”, and that the “vast majority” of children in care live in loving and stable homes that meet their needs. Inspectors also noted that children in care are involved in decisions affecting their lives and that leaders are ambitious about returning children home from care where it is safe to do so.

Councillor George Duggins, Leader of Coventry City Council, said: “We knew we had to make great changes and that it would be a long journey, and to have come this far in 12 years is testament to the work of all involved,.”

He added: “That includes the former Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Patricia Seaman. She was tireless in her work to drive change and her passion and commitment inspired many. Now the work continues, and we renew our vow to the children, young people and families of the city, that Coventry will be a safe, loving and caring home for them.”

Julie Nugent, Chief Executive of Coventry City Council, said the rating reflected years of work across the authority and partner organisations.

“This is a wonderful achievement and the result of years of hard work and dedication to transform our Children’s Services and make Coventry a truly child-friendly city,” she said.

“This is not the end of our journey though, and we will continue to work with our children, young people and families, and with our partners across the city, to continue to improve services and give the best care and support possible to those who need it.”