SOCIAL workers who support families in crisis have been praised for their diligence, expertise and commitment.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s children and families service has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted following a rigorous two-week inspection in March 2019.

Inspectors highlighted the authority's positive work culture which has built a stable and resilient workforce and noted that social workers were experienced, skilled and took the time to get to know children they worked with.

The report stated significant improvements had been made in several areas and that there is a strong culture of learning across children's services.

Director of children’s services Emma Taylor said: “We’re delighted we’ve maintained our ‘good’ rating and received such positive comments from the inspectors.

“There is more demand on children’s services than ever before and our staff at all levels continue to rise to the challenges we face. I’m so proud of every staff member and how they work, both together and with our partners, to provide all our children and young people with the best start in life.

“This ‘good’ rating is a real positive for all of the families we support, showing that we’re continuing to provide valuable, high-quality services.

“We will take on board the recommendations made by Ofsted and will continue to strive to make improvements so we can achieve the best possible outcomes for all our children.”

The team of inspectors looked at the impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families , the experiences and progress of children who need help and protection and the experiences and progress of children in care and care leavers.

The council’s children’s services has recently been recognised as one of the strongest local authorities in the country for children’s services when it was selected last year to be one of only 15 local authorities across the country to take part in the Partner in Practice programme (PIP).

PIP is a partnership between local and central government where leaders and practitioners provide support to other local authorities to help them improve their children’s services.