Lancashire children’s services rated outstanding and good by Ofsted

Children’s services in Lancashire have been rated outstanding in key areas by Ofsted, marking a proud moment for Lancashire County Council and its work with children, young people and families.

In a report published today, inspectors recognised the council’s strong leadership, ambitious approach and commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people, care leavers and families across Lancashire.

Ofsted rated the impact of leaders on social work practice as Outstanding and the experiences and progress of care leavers as Outstanding. It also rated the experiences and progress of children who need help and protection as Good, and the experiences and progress of children in care as Good.

Inspectors highlighted a confident and stable senior leadership team, clear ambition for children and families, and a strong focus on continuous improvement.

The report also recognised investment in early help, workforce stability, specialist support and services that help more children remain safely at home or within their wider family networks.

Ofsted also praised support for care leavers, including comprehensive pathway plans, practical and emotional support and a highly effective wellbeing hub.

The report noted that children, care leavers and families were at the heart of practice in Lancashire.

The inspection builds on a previous Good judgement in 2022, reflecting the dedication, expertise and commitment of the council's workforce and partners across Lancashire

Ofsted also identified some areas for continued improvement, including greater recognition of the needs of young carers in assessments and plans, consistency and quality of safety plans, and management oversight for children living in unregistered homes or with restricted liberty.

Cllr Evans, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “This is a proud moment for Lancashire and, most importantly, a strong endorsement of the difference our children’s services are making for children, young people, care leavers and families.

“The inspection recognises the dedication, skill and compassion of our staff, as well as the strength of our leadership and partnerships across the county.

“We know there is always more to do, and we will continue to build on this progress so every child in Lancashire has the support, care and opportunities they need to thrive.

“This recognition gives us a strong foundation to go further, working with families and partners to keep improving outcomes for children and young people.”

"As cabinet lead for children's and families, I could not be more proud of this outcome, both management and staff have shown real commitment to the young people of Lancashire, and have excelled in striving for excellence and innovation, and that is exactly what they have achieved"

Notes for Editors

In detail: What Ofsted inspectors said about Lancashire County Council's children services.

The experiences and progress of children who need help and protection: Good

Section Summary:
Children and families benefit from accessible early help, timely interventions, and strong management oversight. Safeguarding responses are robust, and the voice of the child is evident in assessments.

Ofsted highlights included:

“Children and families can readily access a comprehensive range of early help services, in their local communities, through family hubs.”

“Thresholds for referral to children’s social care are well understood by partners, and decisions made at the front door are proportionate and timely.”

“(Social) Workers demonstrate a good level of professional curiosity about children’s lives, which enables them to identify risk and assess its impact.”

“Child-in-need and child protection plans are comprehensive. Plans are regularly reviewed and include the child’s voice.”

“The response to allegations about professionals has been strengthened, and there has been an increase in local authority designated officer capacity to meet demand.”

The experiences and progress of children in care: Good

Section Summary:
Children in care are supported to achieve permanence, maintain family identity, and benefit from stable placements. The fostering and adoption services have been strengthened, and children’s voices are central to planning.

Ofsted highlights included:

“When children can no longer safely remain at home, they enter care at the appropriate time.”

“Children are helped to achieve a sense of belonging and permanence.”

“The quality of assessments and plans of support for kinship carers are good.”

“Plans for permanence through adoption, including fostering to adopt, are well considered for children who would benefit from such arrangements.”

“Children in care in Lancashire told inspectors they feel listened to and looked after well.”

The experiences and progress of care leavers: Outstanding

Section Summary:
Care leavers receive exceptional support, including dedicated personal advisers, comprehensive pathway plans, and access to wellbeing hubs. Their achievements are celebrated, and their vulnerabilities are well understood.

Ofsted highlights included:

“Dedicated personal advisers (PAs) know their young people well, having been introduced to them in a timely way allowing for meaningful and trusting relationships to develop when children leave care.”

“Children stated they feel secure, valued and listened to as a result, with care leavers experiencing positive levels of financial, practical and emotional support from those they view as trusted adults.”

“The comprehensive local offer, co-produced with care leavers, offers a range of financial, practical and emotional support that benefits care leavers, making a positive difference to their experiences.”

“Care leavers’ health needs are well supported by their PAs, who advocate strongly for those who have additional vulnerabilities and require specialist services to improve their mental health and wellbeing.”

The impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families: Outstanding

Section Summary:
Lancashire’s senior leadership team is praised for its ambition, stability, and commitment to continuous improvement. Leaders have embedded a strength-based approach, invested in workforce stability, and fostered strong partnerships.

Ofsted highlights included:

“Lancashire County Council has a confident and stable senior leadership team, led by an experienced and capable Director of Children’s Services.”

“This leadership team is ambitious for children and has made improvements to practice, management oversight and multi-agency working...”

“Continuous financial investment in services has supported the redesign of services, such as early help and safeguarding, and has ensured that the model of social work practice meets the needs of the diverse and varied community of Lancashire and is well embedded.”

“Council leaders and elected members demonstrate strong corporate parenting responsibilities.”

“The workforce is overwhelmingly positive about the opportunities provided to it and the support and development it receives.”