Following three years of large-scale improvements, Solihull Council has been judged as providing ‘good’ services to children and young people.
Today, Ofsted published its report following the latest inspection of Solihull’s children’s services, rating it as good for the first time in its history.
Councillor Karen Grinsell, Leader of Solihull Council and Cabinet Member for Children & Education, shared:
“We are absolutely thrilled with this outcome, and I am so proud of everyone who has worked tirelessly over the last few years to make the necessary improvements.”
Inspectors praised the Council’s leadership team for their deliberate and decisive action to transform children’s services, since the last inspection in 2022 when services were found to be inadequate.
They commented that corporate prioritisation, strengthened governance, targeted investment, workforce restructuring and strategic partnership working have combined to deliver wide-ranging improvements for children, families and care experienced young people in Solihull.
In addition, early help has been considerably strengthened through the development of four family hubs, plus the opening of three new children’s homes has given children in care more stable, local options. The new Family Together service offers child-focused and therapeutic support to children at risk of entering care, helping most children remain at home when it is safe for them to do so.
Sir Alan Wood CBE, who was appointed by the Department for Education to oversee the improvements as Children’s Commissioner, said:
“I am delighted that Solihull children’s services have been judged by Ofsted to be Good. This is well deserved. It has been achieved through focused hard work and excellent leadership, and decision making of both officers and members. Solihull’s children’s services are determined to continue to improve and ensure children and families receive the support they need to thrive.”
The Leader added:
“We have been on an intense and fast-paced improvement journey, but as Ofsted has commented, through determination and strong leadership, we have been able to transform our services so that children receive the support that they deserve.
“We know that there is always more to do, so we will continue to make improvements and be ambitious for the future. Children and young people are at the heart of everything the Council does, and we will do all we can to enable them to thrive.”
Read the full report on the Ofsted website.