Ofsted recognises strong support for care-experienced young people in Stoke-on-Trent

Ofsted inspectors have praised the support available to care-experienced young people in Stoke-on-Trent following a focused visit to the council's care leavers service.

In a letter published following the visit, inspectors said senior leaders "demonstrate a strong commitment to improving the experiences and opportunities of care-experienced young people in Stoke-on-Trent".

They also noted how investment in the service is strengthening the practical and emotional support available to young people as they prepare for adulthood.

The focused visit examined the council's arrangements for care leavers, with inspectors highlighting the "long-standing and enduring relationships" young people have with personal advisers who know them well and are "emotionally invested in their experiences and progress".

One young person told inspectors:

"My PA has been that one solid person in my life, she's great. I know that she's there for me and I'm not just a job to her."

Ofsted also found that support is tailored to young people's individual needs and ambitions, building on their strengths and helping them prepare for adulthood and greater independence.

Inspectors praised the council's strengthened approach to corporate parenting, finding "a strong and shared commitment to corporate parenting across the council".

The report also highlighted the work being done to put care-experienced young people at the centre of decisions about their lives and the development of services, alongside improvements in education, employment and training opportunities, and support for young parents and young people in custody.

Inspectors also recognised the council's quality assurance arrangements, noting that leaders have "a sound understanding of service strengths and successes" while recognising where further improvements are needed.

Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, cabinet member for children’s services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said:

"For most young people, support doesn't stop when they turn 18, and care-experienced young people should be no different.

"I'm particularly pleased that inspectors recognised the strong relationships our personal advisers have built with young people. Hearing one young person describe their adviser as the one solid person in their life says more about the difference our staff make than any inspection report could.

"Our ambition is that every care-experienced young person has the same chances as their peers and the support they need to build a successful adult life. This report recognises the progress we've made, while also setting out where we need to improve further.

"We are committed to continuing that journey and ensuring every young person gets the opportunities, stability and encouragement they need to thrive."

The inspectors identified two areas for further improvement: strengthening pathway planning to ensure risks and vulnerabilities are consistently addressed, and improving the quality and consistency of case recording, supervision and management oversight.

Ofsted acknowledged that council leaders understand these challenges and have plans in place to address them.

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