Outstanding children’s services in Suffolk

Ofsted inspectors have awarded children’s services at Suffolk County Council its top grade of ‘Outstanding' following their visit in April 2019.

The authority’s ‘stable and aspirational leadership’ was praised alongside its staff and partnerships it has with agencies who support the work of the team, with the overall Outstanding achievement reflecting the significant positive impact that the authority’s leaders in social work practice make, supporting vulnerable children and families.

Inspectors commended the staff, highlighting that ‘workers build positive and purposeful working relationships with children and their families. They ensure children are safeguarded, and that their wider needs are addressed. They consistently act to ensure the best outcome for children’.

Gordon Jones, cabinet member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills at Suffolk County Council, said: “An Outstanding Ofsted judgement for our Children’s Services is an amazing and well-deserved achievement for Suffolk. “I would like to thank everyone who delivers outstanding services to support young people in Suffolk, it is most rewarding to receive such endorsement from Ofsted. Our staff are compassionate, professional and sensitive to the needs of the residents they support.

“I do accept that we need to do more for Suffolk’s children with additional needs, and we are taking swift and effective action to address both the current shortfall of SEND services in our county, but also to build capacity with our partners for the future. All children have the right to the appropriate level of support they need to aspire and achieve, and I am committed to ensuring that this is the reality for all of Suffolk’s young people, including our most vulnerable children.”