"Proud moment for Portsmouth" as Ofsted inspectors praise support given to city's families, children and young people

An “exceptional difference” is being made to the lives of children, young people and families supported by the city's children's workforce, foster carers, schools and partners, Ofsted inspectors have said.

A new Ofsted inspection rated Portsmouth City Council Outstanding in all four areas, finding that children, care-experienced young people and families in Portsmouth benefit from outstanding support, delivered by a skilled workforce, strong relationships and ambitious leadership.

The report highlights the council's 'one-council' approach to supporting care-experienced young people, with services working together to help young people with housing, education, employment opportunities and practical support, to achieve their ambitions as they move into adulthood.

Inspectors praised the strong relationships staff build with children, young people and families, describing relationship-based practice as "an embedded, significant strength". They found services are child-centred, with practitioners who know children well and provide timely, tailored support that helps them make meaningful progress.

Ofsted also highlighted the work of personal advisers supporting care-experienced young people, describing "the palpable sense of care, attention to detail about young people's lives and ambition for them" as "a distinctive, significant strength".

The report also recognised how children and care-experienced young people help shape services and influence decisions that affect their lives.

Councillor Nick Dorrington, Cabinet Member for Children and Education, said: "This is a proud moment for Portsmouth.

"Ofsted has recognised the dedication, professionalism and compassion shown every day by our staff, foster carers, schools and partners, and the difference they make to the lives of children, young people and families across our city.

"We're particularly pleased that inspectors recognised the impact of our one-council approach for care-experienced young people and the strength of the relationships our workforce builds with children and families.

"We'd like to thank the children and young people who shared their experiences with inspectors and continue to help shape our services.

"This achievement belongs to everyone who works alongside children and families in Portsmouth. While we are overjoyed with this outcome, we remain ambitious and committed to ensuring every child receives the very best support at the earliest opportunity."

Yvette Stanley, Ofsted's National Director for Regulation and Social Care, said: "This outcome is testament to the hard work and tenacity of the leadership team past and present, managers and frontline staff, the wider council and safeguarding partners."

The inspection also highlighted the council's strong leadership, continued investment in services and positive workforce culture, with staff reporting that they feel valued and supported.

The full report is available on the Ofsted website Portsmouth City Council - Open - Find an Inspection Report - Ofsted.