Cabinet note the improvement made in Children’s Services and the positive report completed by the DFE appointed commissioner and note the formal lifting of the statutory direction placed on Children’s Services.

 

This agenda item was covered first in the meeting.

 

Councillor Powell cabinet member for children and young people introduced the report.

 

The Cabinet Member highlighted key findings from the Children's Commissioner's June 2026 report, noting that the council's improvement plan had been embraced by leaders at all levels and owned by frontline staff. The report recognised the strong engagement of the Chief Executive, Leader and Lead Cabinet Member, and confirmed that children's services remain a high priority for the council.

 

The Commissioner also noted the council's proactive engagement with national children's social care reforms, including the Families First Partnership programme, with strong partner involvement across the system. Children's voices were reported to be increasingly influencing service design, practice development and strategic priorities through meaningful engagement.

 

Confidence was expressed in the ongoing leadership and partnership working supporting a well-managed transition, ensuring continued service improvement and avoiding disruption to delivery. Cabinet was assured that, despite significant progress, work would continue to implement national reforms, including Families First and SEND reforms.

 

The Cabinet Member expressed thanks to the Director of Children’s Services, their team and frontline staff, as well as to children and families whose contributions had supported the service’s improvement journey and achievements.

 

Cabinet noted the significant improvements made in Children’s Services, as reported by the Children’s Commissioner and evidenced through Ofsted inspection outcomes, and noted the formal lifting of the statutory direction previously placed on the service.

 

Comments from cabinet members:

 

Members congratulated Councillor Powell and the Children’s Services team on the significant progress achieved in improving the service. It was noted that the council had faced considerable challenges, but that strong leadership and sustained commitment had delivered meaningful improvements over a lengthy and demanding improvement journey. Particular thanks were expressed to Councillor Powell for his leadership throughout the process.

 

Members praised the leadership shown in driving the improvement of Children’s Services, noting the significant progress made from a highly challenging position. It was acknowledged that the transformation had been achieved through strong corporate leadership, a focus on addressing issues directly, and sustained effort over time. Thanks were expressed to those involved for their commitment and achievements in delivering the improvements.

 

Members reflected on the length and challenge of the improvement journey, noting the determination shown in maintaining momentum and driving continuous improvement. Confidence was expressed in the service’s future direction, with particular recognition that improvement work continued beyond meeting statutory requirements, demonstrating a commitment to exceeding expected standards.

 

Reference was made to the Children’s Commissioner’s observation of a culture of methodical and systematic improvement, representing a significant shift from the crisis-driven approach of the past. Members praised the calm and consistent leadership that had underpinned the transformation and acknowledged the significance of the achievement while recognising that the focus would remain on further improvement and delivering the best outcomes for children and families.

 

Councillor Fagan, Chair of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee, welcomed the revocation of the statutory direction and described it as a significant achievement following a lengthy and challenging period for the council, children and families. She commended the leadership shown throughout the improvement journey and noted the continued importance of robust oversight of Children's Services.

 

It was noted that the Scrutiny Committee had monitored progress throughout the period of intervention, providing challenge and support as a critical friend. Reference was made to the ongoing Early Help Task and Finish Review, which had examined the evolving early help offer and the implementation of the Families First programme, alongside wider reforms to children's social care, SEND services and Family Hubs.

 

Members emphasised the importance of sustaining a relational and strengths-based approach to supporting families, embedding early intervention services, and ensuring long-term resilience as funding pressures continue. The challenges associated with delivering national reforms were acknowledged, together with the need to strengthen support for children and young people throughout adolescence and enhance youth services across the county.

 

The importance of embedding the principles of a Child Friendly Herefordshire across all council services and strategic priorities was highlighted, ensuring that the voices of children and young people are reflected in decision-making and future planning. Congratulations were extended to all those involved in achieving the improvements in Children's Services.

 

Group Leaders were invited to offer their views:

 

The Green Group Leader outlined the views of their group and raised that:

 

The revocation of the statutory direction was welcomed and recognised the significant contribution of the council, partner organisations, families and external stakeholders in achieving this outcome. Particular thanks were expressed to Councillor Powell for his leadership throughout the improvement journey.

 

It was emphasised that maintaining momentum and striving for excellence across all areas of Children's Services remained essential, with a continued focus on ensuring positive outcomes for all children and young people in Herefordshire.

 

Members also highlighted the importance of the Child Friendly Herefordshire agenda and raised concerns about the availability of support for young people and youth groups. It was noted that further discussions would take place with relevant Cabinet Members and service leads to explore how support for young people can be strengthened through existing programmes and services.

 

The representative for Independents for Herefordshire outlined the views of their group and raised that:

 

The positive outcome was welcomed and congratulated all those involved in the improvement journey. Concerns were raised regarding references in the Commissioner’s report to budget alignment with comparable authorities and the need for Children's Services to remain a high-priority risk area, seeking clarification on how these comments aligned with the council’s recent financial improvements and reduced overspends.

 

It was suggested that the reference to maintaining Children’s Services as a priority reflected the importance of sustaining progress and ensuring there is no loss of focus in the future, particularly through any changes in administration. Members noted assurances previously provided regarding governance and monitoring arrangements designed to prevent regression and maintain continued improvement. Congratulations were extended to the Leader, Councillor Powell, and all those involved in securing the successful outcome.

 

The Liberal Democrat Group Leader outlined the views of their group and raised that:

 

The progress was welcomed  but emphasised that there remained further work to do and that future success would be judged on continued improvement rather than past achievements. Particular importance was placed on ensuring that the voices of children and young people continue to be heard and influence service delivery.

 

Concern was expressed about the continued high number of children in care and the associated human and financial impacts, highlighting the need for sustained focus on early intervention and improved outcomes for families.

 

The member also commended Councillor Powell for his leadership and practical understanding of the challenges facing Children's Services, recognising his contribution to the improvements achieved to date.

 

The True Independents Leader outlined the views of their group and argued that:

 

Did not attend for this item. 

 

In response to the comments made:

 

The Leader responded to points raised regarding the Children's Commissioner’s report, noting that references to financial benchmarking and political commitment should be viewed in the broader context of the expectations placed on local authorities rather than as criticisms of Herefordshire specifically.

 

It was emphasised that political commitment referred to the ongoing commitment of elected Members to prioritise and support Children’s Services, alongside the work of officers responsible for service delivery and improvement. The Leader reflected on the publication of the independent review of family experiences in 2023, noting that the findings had strengthened his determination to secure lasting improvements and the removal of the statutory direction.

 

Tribute was paid to Councillor Powell for his leadership, commitment and determination throughout the improvement journey, as well as to the Director of Children’s Services and the wider workforce for delivering operational improvements. The importance of listening to families and maintaining a systematic, organisation-wide approach to improvement was highlighted.

 

The Leader also acknowledged the contribution of the former Chief Executive and thanked the Children’s Commissioner and the Minister for their support and engagement throughout the process. Cabinet was invited to note the Commissioner’s positive report and the formal lifting of the statutory direction.

 

The Leader of the Council concluded the discussions. The Leader proposed the recommendations, The Leader directed that the decision to be put before Cabinet is:

 

That:

a)    Cabinet note the improvement made in Children’s Services and the positive report completed by the DFE appointed commissioner; and

 

b)    Cabinet note the formal lifting of the statutory direction placed on Children’s Services.

 

The recommendations were unanimously approved.