Herefordshire Children’s Services rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted following turnaround

Herefordshire Council’s Children’s Services has been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, with leadership judged ‘Outstanding’, following an inspection that highlighted strengthened practice, workforce stability and partnership working, alongside areas still requiring further development.

In its published findings, Ofsted reported that children’s services are “rightly considered a high priority for the Council” and highlighted the role of leadership in driving improvement. Inspectors noted “a visible and effective leadership team, supported by corporate and political leaders”, and said that leadership had enabled improvements in services for children and families.

The inspection assessed progress since previous concerns and reviewed how effectively services are delivered across early help, safeguarding, children in care and care leavers. Ofsted found that leaders had established a culture focused on children’s experiences and that children’s and families’ views are used to inform service development. Partnership working across agencies was also described as effective in supporting practice improvement.

Workforce stability was identified as a strength, with recruitment and retention initiatives contributing to more consistent practice. Inspectors reported that leaders have used quality assurance processes to maintain oversight of practice and outcomes, and that corporate parenting responsibilities are understood. Ofsted said leaders were “effective and who understand what children in care and care leavers need”, adding that a “child-focused approach has ensured that children’s voices are sought and heard”.

Across frontline practice, inspectors highlighted effective early help and family support delivered through multi-agency working. Social work assessments were described as “well considered, comprehensive” and informed by children’s and families’ views. Thresholds for statutory intervention were judged to be applied appropriately, with management oversight supporting decision-making.

The inspection also found evidence of relationship-based practice, with staff committed to building direct work with children and young people. Support was described as effective in helping children remain with, or return to, their families where this is in their best interests. Ofsted noted established multi-agency arrangements for responding to exploitation and missing children, as well as thorough assessment and support for foster and kinship carers. Services for care leavers were highlighted as a strength, with inspectors referring to a clear local offer and “persistent and creative personal advisors”.

However, Ofsted identified two areas requiring further development: management oversight of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) function, and the identification and assessment of children living in private fostering arrangements. Inspectors noted that senior leaders were aware of these issues and that steps were already being taken to address them.

Commenting on the outcome, council leader Cllr Jonathan Lester said the judgement was “a significant milestone” in restoring confidence in children’s services, while emphasising that improvement work would continue. Chief executive Paul Walker described children’s services as a top priority and said systems were in place to build on the findings.

Corporate Director of Children’s Services Tina Russell said the inspection outcome reflected sustained effort across the workforce during a period of challenge, and acknowledged the role of children, families and partner agencies in contributing to service development.

Partners across health, policing and the voluntary sector also responded positively. West Mercia Police deputy chief constable Damian Barratt said the inspection recognised “the strength of partnership working across Herefordshire”, particularly in safeguarding responses. NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire ICB chief nursing officer Dr Kathryn Cobain pointed to the contribution of health staff and joint working across the system.

A parent involved in the Making a Difference For Families group described changes in practice, saying: “Families are heard more, allowing families to lead in telling their story and home life.”

The full Ofsted report sets out both the progress made by Herefordshire Children’s Services and the areas where further improvement is expected.