Children’s services in Trafford are no longer rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted following a recent inspection by the regulator. A comprehensive inspection took place over a three-week period between November and December 2022, with inspectors finding an overall ‘improvement in the quality of social work in Trafford’ with ‘significant political and corporate support and commitment to the improvement of outcomes for children and young people in Trafford.’
The report praises the council’s strong partnership working, significant investment in children’s services and a culture focused on children and found that ‘social workers in Trafford are overwhelmingly positive about both the local authority and the support they receive.’
However, the findings also highlight several areas where there is more work to do, in particular with regard to services for children with complex needs and young people who are over 16 and homeless. As a result, the authority has been given an overall grading of ‘requires improvement to be good’.
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Responding to the report, the council leader Coun Tom Ross, said: “As the new leader of Trafford Council, I have made it a personal priority to see that children in the borough have the best possible start in life and taking action to ensure ongoing improvement within our children’s services is central to that ambition.”
He added: “That’s why I’m pleased Ofsted has recognised the progress we have made in recent years and we are no longer rated ‘inadequate’. However, we are not complacent, and our focus will be to drive improvements in the areas that we know still require attention to reach the standard children and families in Trafford expect and deserve.”
Coun Cath Hynes, deputy leader and executive member for children’s services, added: “Since our 2019 inspection we have brought in a new leadership team, redesigned our children’s social care service from top to bottom and made comprehensive changes and improvements to the way we deliver services to children and families in Trafford.
“Ofsted’s report recognises that we have effective leadership and plans in place and that in many areas of our work this is now making a positive difference to the lives of children and young people.”
She added: “While the Ofsted report has many positives, we know there is still more to do and we will continue to be ambitious for all our children and young people, to ensure we are delivering the best service possible for all children and families.”
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