Ofsted praises major improvements for care leavers in good news for children’s services

Devon County Council has won praise from Ofsted for big improvements in care-leaver services. Leader Julian Brazil says the endorsement shows the progress made since the new administration made children its top priority after May’s elections.

Devon County Council has received glowing feedback from Ofsted inspectors, who have praised significant progress in services for care leavers following their latest inspection.

County Council Leader Councillor Julian Brazil says this endorsement highlights the positive impact being made since the authority’s new administration made children its top priority, following May’s elections.

In a letter to the council, Ofsted inspectors highlighted “greater clarity,” “greater effort,” and “a more consistent service.”

It found that the Council’s political, corporate and operational leaders are “overseeing a much-needed programme of improvements across children’s services.”

Councillor Brazil welcomed the comments. He said: “I pledged when I became Leader of this Council earlier this year that children would be our number one priority, and our Strategic Plan makes that very clear.

“The changes we’ve been putting in place are now beginning to have a positive effect in supporting the most vulnerable in Devon. I’m pleased Ofsted has recognised the improvements being made, and that care leavers themselves spoke with enthusiasm to inspectors about the improvements across the service.

“Devon’s children have been failed for far too long, but we are committed to delivering the very best for the county’s most vulnerable children. Our young people deserve the best start in life.”

The comments from Ofsted mark a major turnaround since October 2024, when inspectors last visited this service area in Devon.

In its review of the progress being made in the quality and impact of services for care leavers, Ofsted says the council has made “considerable progress,” with a clear focus on securing safe, stable housing and improving opportunities for care-experienced young people.

Inspectors praised the council’s “determination to improve services to care leavers. Leaders take their responsibilities as corporate parents seriously”. It says this is ensuring Devon “is making a difference and improving the quality of support provided to care leavers.”

A key achievement has been improving access to suitable accommodation. Ofsted noted stronger partnerships with district councils and housing providers, an increase in care leavers moving into social housing, and innovative measures such as rent guarantees, deposit schemes, and expanded “staying close” and “staying put” arrangements.

These steps, inspectors said, are “beginning to redress long-standing failures.”

Beyond housing, the council has boosted education, employment, and training opportunities.

Inspectors reported rising numbers of care-experienced young people progressing to university and welcomed the recruitment of specialist advisers and wellbeing practitioners.

They praised Personal Advisers (PAs) for their “tenacity” and commitment, describing strong relationships that celebrate young people’s achievements. Workforce stability was also recognised as a major improvement.

Councillor Richard Jefferies, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “This is a very welcome report from Ofsted, acknowledging the excellent work this council is doing to improve outcomes for care-experienced children and young people. We have turned a corner on accommodation and are helping young people into education, employment, and training, supported by a committed, permanent workforce. But there is no time for complacency – we must keep this momentum going.”

Inspectors acknowledged that challenges remain, including increasing the availability of move-on accommodation and improving the timeliness and quality of risk assessments and pathway plans. However, they recognised the council’s strong foundations and commitment to continuous improvement.

The report comes as Devon makes the case to retain its current structure for children’s services amid local government reorganisation. The council argues that breaking up improving services would risk progress and create smaller, less resilient teams.

With Ofsted’s endorsement and a clear improvement plan in place, Devon County Council says it is determined to build on this success and deliver even better outcomes for care-experienced young people.