Children's services at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council rated 'good'
Ofsted inspectors have described it as a 'positively transformed service'
Children's services at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council have been rated good by Government Inspectors.
The Ofsted checks were carried out in December - their newly published report says services have been transformed - after an inadequate rating in 2021.
Their praise focused on key areas including social work and children needing protection, which were all rated good.
But the experience of care leavers was found to be requiring improvement.
Cllr Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council, said: “Improving our Children’s Services has been and remains an overriding priority for the whole council.
“Despite the significant and ongoing pressures placed upon local government finance, we have consistently invested in improving our services for the benefit of local children and young people.”
Cathi Hadley, Director of Children’s Services, said: “Keeping children safe and supported is the absolute goal of our Children’s Services department.
“We are extremely proud and delighted that Ofsted have recognised our hard work and determination to deliver a good service for the children of BCP.
“This ‘good’ rating is the culmination of a huge ongoing effort from everyone involved in delivering better Children’s Services, from social workers, support staff, politicians, parents and carers.
“In particular, it was really pleasing that Ofsted found that our social workers are now very positive about working for BCP Council and that significant progress had been made in improving the services to better help, protect and care for their most vulnerable children since the last inspection.
“But there is no room for complacency - this rating marks the next step on our journey and serves as a baseline for the consistent, high-quality care and support that we are determined to deliver for children across BCP who need our help.”
Cllr Richard Burton, Portfolio Holder for Children's Services, said: “Today’s Ofsted rating of good represents a real milestone in BCP Council’s progress towards delivering consistent high quality Children’s Services.
“We are now delivering a good level of help and support that the children of BCP need and deserve - achieving this has been our absolute priority.
“It has been hugely rewarding to see the dedication, passion and sheer hard work of all those involved in Children’s Services in getting us to where we are today, and I would like to thank all those who have helped drive and deliver this improvement.
“BCP Council’s Children’s Services have come a long way since the previous Ofsted rating and made real and tangible progress to support the people who need our help most.
“There is still work to be done but everyone at the council is united in our aim of continuing this good work into the future."