Four-in-a-row: 14 years of outstanding support for children and families in North Lincolnshire

Independent inspectors Ofsted have once again rated North Lincolnshire Council’s support for children and families as Outstanding – marking a fourth consecutive top rating and 14 years of the highest possible rating.

Children and families’ lives are being changed for the better every day in North Lincolnshire, with inspectors praising the council as “inspirational” and “exceptional”, driven by a “relentless” focus on improvement and “robust political” backing.

Inspectors found that leaders have “further strengthened practice, delivering clear and positive impact” – with children across North Lincolnshire continuing to benefit from high-quality support at every stage of their journey.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “No other council in the country has achieved what we have. The difference that is being made to children’s lives day in, day out has been recognised by independent inspectors at Ofsted.

“I know sometimes we miss bins, and sometimes the roads could be better, but people are the priority – especially those who do not get the help nor support from anywhere else.

“There is no greater responsibility we have than the care and support we provide – and that simply wouldn’t exist without the hard work and dedication of the teams in children’s social care and across every part of the council.

“This is not a one-off. This is many years of consistently outstanding support for children and families in North Lincolnshire. That doesn’t happen by accident.”

The report highlights a system that is not standing still, describing “inspirational senior leaders, exceptional managers and staff” working together with partners to drive continuous improvement and better outcomes for families.

North Lincolnshire’s ‘one family’ approach was singled out as a key strength, with inspectors noting it is “deeply embedded and delivers consistently high-quality practice”, supported by a wide range of services that are improving children’s lives.

Across the board, inspectors found children are safer, better supported and making strong progress, underpinned by exceptionally strong partnerships, a stable workforce and a relentless focus on continuous improvement.

Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for independent families – children, said: “This is about families feeling safe, being listened to and knowing there are people who care about them and will stand by them.

“There will be children leaving school and embarking on their careers in the coming weeks who have only had outstanding, giving them the best start in life – and that consistency matters.

“Behind every line of this report is a real story – a child now safe when they might not have been, a young person who has been heard when they felt invisible and families who have someone alongside them when things were at their hardest.”

Rachel Smith, director of children’s services, said: “We are incredibly proud of the people who work here in North Lincolnshire and we are really pleased that Ofsted have recognised the practice that we see day in and day out.

“Our staff and our partners have continued to raise standards through innovation and a shared commitment to learning and improvement with a clear focus on always doing the right thing.

“The report published today is a testament to our workforce who show real commitment and care every day, always keeping children and families at the heart of everything that they do.”

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