Improvement notice lifted for Liverpool Children’s Services after ‘good’ Ofsted rating

The government has officially withdrawn the improvement notice that had been imposed on Liverpool City Council’s Children’s Services after Ofsted gave the department a ‘good’ rating.

This assessment marks a reversal from the inadequate judgement and special-measures status the service received three years ago, with inspectors noting stronger leadership, better social-work practice, lower caseloads, a more stable workforce and clearer oversight of risk and performance.

Minister for Children and Families Josh MacAlister MP wrote to the council praising the commitment shown, pointing out that children are now a clear priority and highlighting Liverpool’s recent UNICEF Child Friendly City designation.

He also welcomed the rollout of Families First reforms, stating that initiatives such as Family Help, multi-agency child protection and Family Group Decision Making must move from planning stages into consistent delivery for families.

Despite the positive rating, Ofsted highlighted several areas that still need improvement, including support for children who are homeless, those in private fostering arrangements, the planning of pathways for care leavers, and the provision of education, employment and training support.

Councillor Liz Parsons, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said the removal of the notice is official recognition of substantial transformation over the past three years, but warned the council must not become complacent and must continue to improve outcomes for young people.

Jenny Glennard, Corporate Director of Children and Young People’s Services, added that the council’s work now centres on truly listening to children and allowing their voices to drive service improvement, with the ambition of becoming the best in the country.

The council will need to sustain the gains made and address the specific improvement points identified by Ofsted to ensure lasting benefits for children and families across Liverpool.