Derby City Council's Children's Services continues to set a high standard, earning its second consecutive ‘Outstanding’ rating from Ofsted. Inspectors praised the services as 'responsive and effective,' and rated them outstanding across all the areas assessed – meaning they have improved since the last 'Outstanding' assessment in 2022.

This means that children, young people and their families are more likely to get the support they need, when they need it, and face safer and more positive futures as a result.

Inspectors from Ofsted, the national organisation which regulates and inspects schools and children’s services across the country, carried out an inspection in May. Their report, published today, highlights strong senior leadership, high-quality social work practice, and extensive support for children in care and care leavers.

The report states:

Since its last inspection, when services overall were judged to be outstanding, ambitious leadership has achieved further improvements in all areas. In a city facing significant challenges through deprivation and demographic change, leaders have ensured that services for vulnerable children are responsive and effective and help combat the impact of poverty.

Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said:

We’re absolutely thrilled with the excellent report Derby’s Children’s Services has received. It’s a true testament to the passion and dedication of everyone working within the service.

We’re committed to providing the right care and support for every child and family in our city, and this inspection result shows we’re succeeding.

The inspection specifically recognised Derby’s ‘Outstanding’ performance in the following key areas:

  • Strong leadership that positively influences the quality of social work practice.
  • Providing effective support for children who need help and protection, ensuring their safety and well-being.
  • The excellent support for children in care, which ensures they make positive strides in their development.
  • The positive experience of young people transitioning out of care who are given the support they need to thrive independently.
  • Overall effectiveness, confirming the high standards of Derby’s Children’s Services across the board.

The report states:

Children in Derby benefit from consistently high-quality social work practice and excellent support from other highly skilled practitioners. Derby has achieved one of the most stable social work workforces in the country, evidenced by its low rates of staff turnover, few vacancies, and no reliance on agency workers. 

Alongside this, purposeful investment in early help, effective partnership working and a commitment to supporting children within their family networks are helping to keep children safe and supporting them to thrive. 

Children in care benefit from consistent relationships with their social workers and impactful life-story work and live in caring homes that provide security and permanence.

Andy Smith, Strategic Director for People Services, was recently appointed a CBE in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours list, for his services to disadvantaged and vulnerable children. He said:

To achieve an Outstanding rating in two consecutive inspections is a remarkable achievement. This wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering hard work of everyone in our Children’s Services team, staff across the wider Council and our partners.

We’re very proud of the positive impact we’re making on the lives of children and young people in Derby.

The full inspection reportOpens in new tab is available on the Ofsted website.