City's outstanding children's services set new standards

Leeds is celebrating after becoming the first 'core' UK city to achieve three successive 'outstanding' ratings from Ofsted for its children and families services.

- by Alex Grant

The rating was announced this week, following an inspection of the services the council provides for children in need of help and protection, children in care and care leavers, carried out between June 30 and July 4.

Ofsted inspectors rated Leeds City Council as Outstanding for the impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families, for the experiences and progress of children in care, and for the experiences and progress of care leavers.

The city council was also rated as 'Good' in relation to the experiences and progress of children who need help.

The education watchdog said: "Children in Leeds continue to benefit from effective services that improve children's outcomes.

An extensive range of well-established early-help services meet the needs of many families and prevent concerns from increasing.