A recent report by Ofsted has shed light on the latest monitoring visit of Children’s Services at Liverpool City Council. The inspection, carried out in March 2025, specifically examined the response to children at risk of exploitation or going missing, the support provided to disabled children, and the supervision of social workers. Notably, there has been a marked improvement in the handling of disabled children, with reduced caseloads for social workers and enhanced management capacity within the team since March 2023.
The report highlighted that disabled children now receive thorough assessments and effective support plans, with risks promptly identified and addressed. Social workers are commended for their efforts in communicating sensitively with children to understand their needs and feelings. Moreover, the immediate response to children who go missing has improved, with social workers diligently exploring the reasons behind these incidents to prevent recurrence.
Leaders are actively working to address issues related to the identification and referral of vulnerable children at risk by partner agencies. Efforts are underway to develop a more coordinated approach for early intervention and support to prevent exploitation. The report also praised children and family assessments for their improved quality, with partner agencies actively contributing to them. Additionally, there has been some progress in the quality of child in need and children protection plans, although the analysis of risks remains variable.
Furthermore, the inspection highlighted improvements in case supervision quality and the reflective nature of management training, which is positively impacting the focus on children’s experiences. Regular and detailed reporting to the improvement board and scrutiny committee has been instrumental in driving forward improvement plans. Notably, staff expressed satisfaction with the significant improvements made in the last two years, citing reduced caseloads and an enhanced ability to deliver quality social work. Councillor Liz Parsons, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, acknowledged the progress made and the commitment of staff to providing the best services for children and young people in Liverpool. The aim is to deliver an outstanding service and become a UNICEF Child Friendly City, prioritizing young people’s involvement in decision-making processes. The Council is confident in its trajectory towards achieving these goals
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