Coventry City Council’s Children’s Services has been awarded an ‘outstanding’ rating by Ofsted.
The official announcement was made today (18 May) – nearly four years after being rated as ‘good’, eight years after a ‘needing improvement’ finding, and 12 years after being rated as ‘inadequate’.
The finding follows a short ILACS inspection conducted in March 2026, which took place over a two‑week period. A team of seven Ofsted inspectors were on site during the second week, meeting with a wide range of staff and teams across Children’s and Education Services.
Inspectors focussed on five key areas; the experiences and progress of children in need of help and protection; the experiences and progress of children in care; the experiences and progress of care leavers; and the impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families and overall effectiveness.
The service was judged ‘outstanding’ in four of these areas; the experiences and progress of children in care; the experiences and progress of care leavers; and the impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families and overall effectiveness. The experiences and progress of children who need help and protection was judged as ‘good’.
The report said: “Political and corporate leaders, partners and local business leaders have been relentless in their determination for children in Coventry to succeed. Impressive, outward-looking leaders have demonstrated an unwavering ambition and commitment to children in Coventry”.
“They have continued to strengthen the quality and impact of services, despite considerable external challenges of the number of children living in poverty and a significant rise in demand for services”.
Inspectors praised areas including: Family Hubs; the Fostering Service; the Virtual School; the Lifelong Links scheme, which helps children and young people to benefit from significant, long-lasting relationships; and the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service which supports parents to make the lifestyle changes needed so children can remain with them.
They also highlighted the work with unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, describing them as ‘highly-valued’; the House Project, that supports care leavers as they move into adulthood; the Safe Spaces scheme designed to keep children safe when out and about in the city; and staff training to reduce reliance on temporary workers.
The report found:
- Workforce morale is high
- Children’s wishes and feelings are sensitively gathered
- There is a strong focus on extended family networks and the support that can be provided for children
- When children can no longer stay at home safely, timely decisions are made for them to come into care.
- The vast majority of children live in loving, stable homes that meet their needs
- Children in care are involved in key decisions that will impact on their lives
- There is strong ambition in Coventry to return children home from care whenever this is safe and possible
- Children’s physical and emotional health needs are met well through a comprehensive, wide-ranging offer of face-to-face and online support.
- Leaders have worked with children and local businesses to make Coventry a child-friendly city.
Cllr George Duggins, Leader of Coventry City Council, said: “We knew we had to make great changes and that it would be a long journey, and to have come this far in 12 years is testament to the work of all involved,.
“That includes the former Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Patricia Seaman. She was tireless in her work to drive change and her passion and commitment inspired many. Now the work continues, and we renew our vow to the children, young people and families of the city, that Coventry will be a safe, loving and caring home for them.”
Julie Nugent, Chief Executive of Coventry City Council, said: “This is a wonderful achievement and the result of years of hard work and dedication to transform our Children’s Services and make Coventry a truly child-friendly city.
“This is not the end of our journey though, and we will continue to work with our children, young people and families, and with our partners across the city, to continue to improve services and give the best care and support possible to those who need it.”
Sukriti Sen Director of Children’s and Education Services at Coventry City Council, said: “This finding reflects the brilliant work that has been carried out in the city over recent years, and the determination of everyone involved to put the welfare of children, young people and families at the heart of all we do.
“We are proud to be a child-friendly city and we work closely with our partners, communities and families to give our children and young people a voice and to ensure that they are heard. Thank you to everyone who has helped on this incredible journey over the years and to all who dedicate themselves to improving the lives of Coventry’s children and giving them the best possible start in life.”
The full report can be read online at https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/