Children’s services in Cumberland have been rated as good by the national watchdog.
Cumberland Council’s first ever Inspecting Local Authority Children’s Services inspection by Ofsted said it was providing a good service.
The authority said it marked a turning point following challenges faced under the former Cumbria County Council.
Ofsted praised the council’s strong and visible leadership, dedicated workforce, and effective partnership working, describing a relentless focus on improving children’s experiences.
The overall effectiveness of children’s services was rated as good, with specific strengths highlighted in the impact of leadership, the quality of care for children in care, and the support for care experienced young people.
The inspection report commended the council for creating a culture that placed children firmly at the centre of practice through the implementation of a new social work model and significant political and corporate investment.
Key achievements noted include:
- Strong support for children, young people and families at the front door: Effective systems ensure timely and appropriate decisions, with robust screening and prioritisation of cases.
- Positive outcomes for cared for children and young people: Swift action is taken to find the most suitable homes, and children are supported to remain with kinship carers or return home when safe and in their best interests.
- Care experienced young people supported to thrive: Personal Advisors work persistently to ensure young people have access to education, employment, training, and stable accommodation.
- Children’s voices at the heart of services: Cared for children and young people’s groups actively shape services and engage regularly with senior managers and elected officials.
- Strong workforce morale and identity: Staff reported feeling energised, valued, and listened to, with Ofsted noting a real buzz about working in Cumberland.
Ofsted also acknowledged Cumberland’s Family Help and Prevention Strategy, co-developed with local families, which ensures that children and families receive the right support at the right time. Leaders’ commitment to bringing children we care for closer to home and increasing workforce stability was also praised, alongside a comprehensive quality assurance framework that gives leaders a clear line of sight on practice.
Councillor Emma Williamson, portfolio holder for children’s services, family wellbeing, and housing, said: “This good rating is a landmark achievement for Cumberland Council.
“Ofsted’s recognition of our progress demonstrates the dedication of our staff, foster carers, kinship carers and partners to improving the lives of children and families. While we celebrate this success, we remain focused on addressing areas for improvement and ensuring all children receive the best possible support.”
Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, added: “This is a proud moment for Cumberland. From day one, we’ve prioritised children’s services, and this rating is proof of what can be achieved through strong leadership, partnership working, and a relentless focus on the needs of our children and families. We have come a long way in our first 18 months and I want to thank everyone involved for their hard work and commitment.”
Martin Birch, director of children and family wellbeing, said: “Achieving this rating is a testament to the passion and expertise of our people.
“We are particularly proud of our culture where the voice of children, young people and families are at the heart of everything we do. While there is still work to do, this inspection validates the significant progress we’ve made and the strong foundations we’ve built.”
