Support Services For East Riding Children Secure 'Good' Ofsted Rating

Support systems for vulnerable children and families in the East Riding have achieved a 'Good' rating across all areas following a comprehensive Ofsted inspection.

Vulnerable children and families in the East Riding are receiving improved and highly responsive support, as local services secure a 'Good' rating across the board from Ofsted.

The education watchdog evaluated East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Children’s Services earlier this year, awarding the 'Good' judgement across all four key areas of inspection. These areas include the impact of leaders on social work practice, the experience and progress of children who need help and protection, the experiences and progress of children in care, and the experiences of care leavers.

Young people requiring help are receiving the right support at the right time, according to the inspection report. Inspectors noted that social workers see children frequently, allowing professionals to truly get to know and understand the specific needs of each individual.

Collaborative working is also proving effective for families. Regular meetings between family members, teachers, and nurses ensure that everyone involved in a young person's life understands the exact support required to help them thrive.

For those entering the care system, the report found that children are well looked after and happy. Most young people are able to remain with their carers until they reach adulthood, providing them with a stable and nurturing environment that is often local to their original family homes.

While in care, young people maintain regular contact with their families, are supported to make good progress in their education, and are encouraged to participate in hobbies they enjoy. As they transition towards adulthood, care leavers receive dedicated help to develop essential independence skills.

The Ofsted report recognises a strong sense of ownership among staff, reflecting a core belief that these are their children. This attitude translates into placing a high value on the voices of young people, giving them a meaningful influence over decision-making and the future development of support services.

Care plans are heavily child-focused and are co-produced in partnership with parents, external agencies, and the children themselves. By spending dedicated time with families, social workers build stable and positive relationships, ensuring that family networks are genuinely valued and considered at every stage of a child's journey.

Councillor Victoria Aitken, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said:

"I’m delighted that the inspection recognises the work and progress that has taken place over the last few years to ensure we deliver good services. Our priority has been to ensure that children, young people and families receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place. I’m pleased that the inspection highlights the redesigned family help offer, improving access for children and families across all of our communities. It’s really positive to hear that children who spoke with inspectors consistently reported that they are happy with where they live and with their carers. I’m also pleased the inspection reported that care leavers are well supported with practical and emotional support and independence skills, that they play an active role in shaping services and that they are positively benefitting from the Next Chapter Hub which opened last year. This is a very welcome report for children’s services, and along with our partners, we will continue to provide the best possible support to ensure every child and young person thrives."

Significant improvements have been made since the previous inspection. Inspectors highlighted stronger management oversight, enhanced partnership working, and a sustained focus on relational practice. This approach ensures that most children, families, and care leavers receive support that responds directly to their needs while building on the existing strengths within their family networks.

Officials have a clear understanding of areas requiring further development and maintain strong ambitions to continue improving experiences, helping young people across the East Riding to achieve positive futures.