URL: https://councildecisions.bury.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4249

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Young People presented a report summarising the result of the recent Ofsted inspection of Children’s Services and the resulting change in the type and frequency of future inspections. The Ofsted outcome was a move from the previous overall judgement in November 2021 of ‘inadequate‘ to a new judgement that services ‘require improvement to be good’. Members noted that the report praised the progress made and graded the leadership provided by the council and within Children’s Services as ‘good’.   Councillors extended their thanks to officers for their work, in particular senior officers Lynne Ridsdale and Jeanette Richards, as well as the cross-party support of the Childrens Improvement Board, Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee and Members more widely. Councillor Smith was also thanked for her passion and leadership as Cabinet Member. In response to Member questions, Councillor Smith advised that the outcome would hopefully give staff confidence to know we were on the right track and the validation to keep going. it was noted that the action plan would come before Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee at their next meeting, and was underpinned by service plans. Quarterly meetings with the DfE would continue along with a yearly inspection programme.   Decision:   Cabinet noted the outcome of the recent Ofsted inspection of Children’s Services and the time-horizon for future engagement.   Reasons for the decision: N/A   Alternative options considered and rejected: N/A

Date of Decision: September 10, 2025