Liverpool’s children's services praised for progress in latest Ofsted review

Ofsted has published the findings of its latest monitoring visit to Liverpool City Council’s Children’s Services.

The inspection, which took place in March 2025, focused on three key areas:

The response to children at risk from exploitation or going missing from home or care, including assessment and planning.
The response to disabled children, including assessment and planning.
The supervision of social workers.

Inspectors found significant improvements since their previous visit in March 2023, particularly in the response to disabled children. Caseloads for social workers have been reduced by half, and management capacity within the service has been strengthened.

The report highlights that disabled children “now benefit from thorough assessments and plans which support them and their families effectively,” with risks “promptly recognised and responded to.” Inspectors praised social workers for taking time to “sensitively communicate with children to understand their wishes and feelings.”

The immediate response to children who go missing from home or care has also improved. Ofsted noted that social workers are “persistent in their efforts to talk to children when they return home, to explore why they went missing,” and that this information is used to help reduce the risk of further incidents.

Leaders are reported to be working “at pace” to address issues where children at risk are not always promptly identified and referred by partner agencies. Work is underway to develop a more coordinated approach that enables earlier intervention and support for vulnerable children at risk of exploitation.

The inspection concluded that timely action is usually taken to protect children at risk of exploitation and criminality, although efforts continue to address a small number of delayed strategy discussions.

Further positive findings include:

Children and family assessments have “improved in quality,” with strong contributions from partner agencies. Inspectors noted that “children’s wishes and views are sensitively sought and considered by social workers, who take the time and effort to truly know and understand children’s needs.”
Child in need and child protection plans have shown “some improvement,” although the understanding and analysis of risk remain “variable.”
Case supervision is “starting to improve in quality” and is now more reflective, focusing on children’s lived experiences, with management training beginning to have a positive impact.
Governance and oversight have strengthened, with regular and detailed reporting to the Improvement Board and Scrutiny Committee providing effective challenge and driving forward improvement plans.

Staff feedback to inspectors was highly positive. Workers reported “significant improvements” over the past two years, citing reduced caseloads and a safer, more supportive working environment.

Ofsted stated:

“They welcome improved communication from leaders about plans, and value the regular employee forum and the two-way communication it facilitates. Social workers say they feel happy, motivated and well supported in their work in Liverpool, describing themselves as ‘being part of a family’.”

Councillor Liz Parsons, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said:

“This monitoring visit highlights the progress we have made over the last two years, and that we are addressing areas that need improvement.

“Our staff are absolutely committed to delivering the very best services for children and young people in Liverpool, and I would like to thank them for their hard work which is making a positive difference to the lives of the most vulnerable every single day.

“Improving Children’s Services is a journey that takes time, and our ambition is to get to a position where we are delivering an outstanding service, as well as becoming a UNICEF Child Friendly City putting young people at the forefront of decision making. I firmly believe we are on track to achieve both.”