Manchester City Council’s children’s services have been rated “outstanding” by Ofsted, making the city the first in the north-west of England to achieve this top accolade. The inspection praised the work of social workers in Manchester, describing them as “exemplary” and highlighting their “compassion and care” for children and families.
The city’s children’s services have steadily improved since 2014, when they were deemed “inadequate” by the regulator. Ofsted inspectors spent three weeks in September and October assessing the department and concluded that its overall effectiveness is now “outstanding.” High marks were also given for leadership, the experience and progress of children in care, and the support provided to care leavers, while help for children in need of protection was judged “good.”
Manchester’s Complex Safeguarding Hub, where social workers work alongside police and health professionals to support children at risk of sexual and other criminal exploitation, was singled out for its “exemplary” practice. Inspectors noted that children were treated with particular attention to safety, dignity and care.
Council Leader Bev Craig welcomed the recognition, saying: “Our children deserve the best and I’m proud that Manchester City Council has become the first council in the North West to get an ‘outstanding’ verdict on our children’s services. We have worked hard to transform our children’s services and I’m pleased Ofsted have found that they are among the best in the country.”
Councillor Julie Reid, executive member for early years, children and young people, added: “Social workers don’t often get the praise they deserve, but this inspection report shows the positive difference which they can make to children’s lives. It describes an engaged and positive team who build purposeful relationships to help them make the best decisions for, and with, children and their families.”
The report reflects years of investment, innovation and strong leadership within the council, marking a significant milestone in the city’s efforts to provide high-quality support to its most vulnerable children.
