Journey of Improvement Continues for Children's Services

Progress is being made to support young people leaving care in South Tyneside, Ofsted has reported.

The Council underwent a fourth monitoring visit by Ofsted mid-October. The details of this visit have now been published in a letter from the inspectorate.

The focus of the Ofsted visit was care leavers, including those transitioning from care aged 16-18, with inspectors noting improvements across the service.

Councillor Liz McHugh, Lead Member for Children, Families and Social Care and Education and Skills at South Tyneside Council, said: "We remain focused on delivering the highest standards possible for our children and young people, putting them at the heart of everything we do. It is clear that we are moving in the right direction.

"This latest monitoring visit highlights that we have a generous package of support in place for those transitioning into adulthood, particularly around helping care leavers into some form of education, employment or training, and for their wellbeing.

"We have a passionate and dedicated workforce who keep in touch with young people leaving care. The voice of care leavers is also crucial in helping us to develop the service for the future and it's great that they feel engaged and empowered to make a difference.

"I'm pleased that Ofsted has recognised the progress we continue to make across Children's Services."

During the visit, inspectors' findings aligned with leaders' own understanding of the care leavers' service. Leaders have a good understanding of their strengths as well as the areas they need to improve.

Ofsted acknowledged that the Council ensures that all young people are automatically offered support until the age of 25 and the 'Always Here' offer ensures that, no matter how long ago someone left are, they can ask the leaving care team for advice and support.

Most children and young people Ofsted reviewed and spoke with said they had a positive experience of being a care leaver in South Tyneside.

Ofsted noted that the care leavers' service has a stable and permanent workforce which ensures that most care leavers benefit from building secure, trusting relationships with their personal adviser. Ofsted acknowledged that this relational approach provides the cornerstone for effective support and for young people to make progress.

Care leavers feel that South Tyneside's offer is generous particularly in relation to the support offered in their employment, education and training and for their wellbeing. Care leavers told inspectors they are grateful for the support and services they are offered but feel there is a lack of appropriate choice of housing options.

A bespoke, well-resourced hub offers a central point for young people to gather, with a range of activities, from cookery classes to budgeting workshops and care leavers forums.

Ofsted acknowledges that the committed work of the participation team and engagement team has resulted in vibrant and active children in care and care leavers forums and there are numerous examples of how children's and young people's voices have influenced and shaped service delivery.

Young people who met with inspectors said they feel valued and empowered in knowing they can make a difference. Personal advisors said it was the culture and value placed on young people that made the difference for care leavers in South Tyneside.

The letter can be viewed in full at South Tyneside Council Ofsted Letter - 14 November 2024