Children services rated as 'inadequate'

Cheshire East's children services have been rated inadequate

Too many young people are coming out of local authority care without the right help, protection and support, a watchdog said.

Ofsted has judged Cheshire East Council's children's services inadequate.

It said while there had been improvement since the last inspection, the quality of young people's experiences were too varied.

The council said it was committed to following any recommendations made.

'Disappointed'

The inspectors found senior leaders had not recognised how much improvement was needed until the February and March inspections.

Their report said it was difficult to see how risks to young people leaving care were being managed, and that there was not enough information about the whereabouts of homeless young people.

Carol Bulman, the leader member for children and families at Cheshire East Council, said the authority was “deeply disappointed” with the outcome of the inspection.

She added that she was sorry that some of its support for young people was not up to standard, and that the authority was committed to addressing the recommendations.

“ I know this inspection will be a positive catalyst for change and we need to use it as an opportunity to reflect, learn and keep moving forwards," she said.

Jos Saunders, the Conservative group's spokesperson for children's services, said the downgrade was "heart-breaking".

"Our young people, in care and leaving care, deserve better," she said.