Government ceases intervention at council following significant transformation

The government has revised its direction of intervention in Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Children and Families service following ‘substantial improvements’ in outcomes for children and families.

The Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed consistent progress and recommended lifting the intervention – which has been in place since 2019.

The intervention followed an Ofsted inspection that rated the service as ‘Inadequate’. A subsequent inspection in October 2022 saw the service rated as ‘Requires Improvement’, highlighting significant advancements. There were key improvements in services for individuals or professionals to report concerns or request support and in outcomes for children in care. Follow-up visits have demonstrated continued, sustained improvement.

The DfE review outlines several key achievements, including a drop in the number of children in care to its lowest level in 18 months, with fewer children on Child Protection Plans.

The quality of social work practice was said to have remained strong, with an increasing number of audits rated ‘Good’, with early support services now more effective at preventing issues from escalating.

Recent audits said stronger partnerships with local agencies are ensuring families receive the tailored support they need, and that a robust leadership team continues to drive positive change and improvement.

The city council’s focus on early intervention and partnership working has been fundamental in reducing the number of children in care and making sure that families receive the right support at the right time.

Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for children’s services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said the announcement was a “significant milestone” for services for children and families in Stoke-on-Trent.

“We’ve made great progress, and we’re pleased to be moving forward without government intervention.

“The Family Matters programme has been central to this transformation, providing families with the early support they need to thrive.

“While we recognise there is still work to be done, I am confident that under the leadership of our incoming Corporate Director, Neil Macdonald, we will continue to build on this momentum, ensuring every child in Stoke-on-Trent gets the care and support they deserve.”