Sefton Council is celebrating a major achievement as its children’s services have been rated ‘Good’ overall in the latest inspection by Ofsted.

Ofsted gave an overall rating of ‘good’, highlighting “tangible improvements across all areas in Children’s Social Care” including children in care, care leavers and strong visible leadership and commitment from all areas of the Council noting that “children are now a clear priority for the wider council”.

The inspection commended the council’s leadership, workforce stability and commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. Ofsted highlighted significant progress in safeguarding, care planning and support for care-experienced young people.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Marion Atkinson said:

“This is a proud moment for Sefton. Our children’s services have undergone a transformation, driven by strong leadership, dedicated, passionate staff and a relentless focus on improvement.

"We’ve worked tirelessly to build a Children’s Services in Sefton that our families, children and young people deserve and this Ofsted rating confirms that our children are now safer, better supported and more empowered.”

She continued:

“We will continue to invest in our children’s future—whether through housing, education, or emotional wellbeing. Our vision is clear: every child in Sefton should grow up happy, healthy and heard.”

Period of transformation

This latest rating marks a significant turnaround from the previous 2022 rating of ‘Inadequate’. Since the last inspection, Sefton has undergone a period of transformation with significant investment and restructuring of services to build a Children’s Services that families in Sefton deserve.

Ofsted noted a positive cultural shift, with staff reporting improved morale and feeling well-supported by leadership. Families are benefiting from strong support and children are being kept safe and supported to reach their potential. Social workers were praised for knowing their children well, ‘taking time to get to know them’, forming stable relationships and Ofsted noted ‘they build trusting, compassionate relationships, taking the time to understand each child’s journey into care’ and ‘talking about them with pride, care and compassion.’

Cllr Diane Roscoe, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families said:

 “I am so proud of the improvements we have made as a service. What stands out most for me is the repeated references to how well our staff know our children and families, how they take time to get to know their interests and hold high aspirations for them.

"Building those relationships with children and families and being able to provide consistent support means families don’t have to tell their stories over and over and gives children stability and space to form strong bonds of trust with our staff.”

"This is what working with families is all about and I am so pleased that Ofsted have recognised the positive impact our staff are now having with our families.”

Strengthened safeguarding

Inspectors commended the council’s robust quality assurance framework, effective use of external scrutiny, and strategic partnerships that have strengthened safeguarding responses. The council’s early help services, team around the baby, and team around the school initiatives were highlighted as examples of innovative, community-based support.

Dr Risthardh Hare, Director for Children’s Services in Sefton said:

“This rating is a testament to the dedication and resilience of our staff, partners, and the children and families we serve. We’ve worked tirelessly to rebuild trust, improve practice, and ensure that every child in Sefton receives the care and protection they deserve.

“Sefton is now in a strong position to roll out collaborative multi agency work and this Ofsted has confirmed what we knew already, our partnerships and relationships are solid and give families the support they need at the right time.

“We will continue to move forward with children, young people and families in Sefton, hearing their views and building their experiences into the next phase of our journey”

Continued focus and commitment to children and families

Sefton Council will remain committed to making ongoing improvements to Children’s Services, with a focus on sustaining momentum, enhancing workforce development and ensuring that the voices of children and families shape future services.

Phil Porter, Chief Executive of Sefton Council said:

“This inspection outcome reflects our long-term commitment to children and young people in Sefton. We’ve invested in early help, our social workers, specialist teams and improved support for care leavers.

“We are so proud of the progress made and we remain focused on addressing areas that still require improvement; there’s always more to do, but we’re firmly on the right path.

“The improvements we have made will be built upon to keep momentum going and ensure our partnerships and relationships we have built go from strength to strength.”

Want to make a difference?

Are you looking for the next step in your career? We are hiring across a range of roles in Children's Social Care. Join us during this exciting time at Sefton Council as we continue our long-term commitment to children and families. 

Find out more: Sefton Council - Children’s Services Careers