Three councils receive 'good' ratings for children's services

Wigan, Wolverhampton and Harrow all received the positive ratings from the inspectorate after visits during January and February this year.

Wigan received particular praise for its adoption work, which was rated as "outstanding". Inspectors said physical and emotional health, as well as academic progress, all significantly improved for children with an adoption plan in place, as a result of the work of the council's adoption service.

Inspectors added that effective collaboration between children's social workers and the adoption team ensures that suitable families are identified in a timely manner, based on a holistic understanding of children's needs.

Wigan's focus on effective partnerships across health, justice and education services is another strength highlighted in the report.

In Harrow, inspectors found "strong and effective" leadership in place, which ensures support for looked-after children and care leavers is well designed and delivered.

This meant social workers have manageable caseloads, access to good support and training, and are afforded the time to build strong bonds with children.

"Social workers see children regularly," the report states. 

"They use good direct work to come to know them well and build relationships of trust with them. This helps to improve the outcomes that children achieve.