A change of leadership since it was rated as 'requires improvement' by Ofsted three years ago has helped improve support, found inspectors.
Senior leaders' “relentless drive" has led to "significant improvements, on a considerable scale", they added.
Improvement has included an “unwavering commitment to workforce stability”, which “has allowed the development of skilled workers and improved management oversight”.
The accessibility and ambition of leaders had also resulted in “creating consistent delivery of good experiences and progress for children”, according to inspectors’ report following their visit in February and March.
Work to help children remain living with their family network and ensure “their voices are pivotal to planning and decision-making”, are also praised.
The department has been handed Ofsted’s top grade in all areas including leadership, child protection, looked after children and care leaver support and overall effectiveness.
Ofsted national director for regulation and social care Yvette Stanley said “it is a rare achievement to move from a judgement of requires improvement to outstanding in all areas”.
She added: “I was particularly pleased to read how they have created an environment for improvement that always puts children first.
“This inspection outcome is a significant achievement and reflects the hard work and commitment of York’s leadership team, their managers and frontline staff, as well as the wider council and safeguarding partners.”
In 2022 when inspectors had previously visited, they raised concerns around a “decline in the quality of children’s services” at the council.
Following their visit this year inspectors said there are “some identified pockets” where improvement is still needed. But they were satisfied the council’s leaders “had credible plans in place” to address these.
Areas of remaining concern include the quality of assessments and plans for disabled children and ensuring planning for care leaders are regularly updated.
“This judgment shows that everyone being aligned, with a shared commitment to do the best for children and young people in York, is resulting in improved services and I couldn’t be happier,” said council leader Clair Douglas.
The council’s corporate director of children and young people added: “I’m immensely proud of our Children’s Services teams and the many colleagues across other parts of the council whose dedication and absolute commitment to achieve the best outcomes for children, young people and families in York have made this rating possible.
“Their resilience and desire to continually review, reflect and improve outcomes for the young people they’re working with is outstanding.”
Elsewhere, Camden has retained its ‘outstanding’ rating for overall effectiveness following inspectors visit in March.
Its leadership and support for children in care and care leavers has also retained the inspectorate’s top grade and its child protection services have been upgraded from ‘good’ to ‘outstanding’.
“Children and young people in the London Borough of Camden continue to receive excellent support,” said inspectors.
Camden council leader Richard Olszewski said: “We want to see all our children reach their full potential and get the best possible start in life and we welcome Ofsted’s recognition of our significant and long-standing investments in working towards this.”
