Ofsted inspectors have called for improvements in the way Cheshire East Council supports its care leavers.
But they also highlighted positive progress made in other areas, with the quality of practice for care leavers now better since the previous inspection.
The visit, which took place in April, focused on the quality, consistency and responsiveness of support, advice and guidance for care leavers.
Inspectors said further progress was needed in areas including continuing to strengthen workforce stability and management oversight and ensuring earlier allocation of personal advisers (PAs).
It also says the council needs to improve consistency in planning and risk assessments, and enhancing support for care leavers in custody.
But they also identified a number of positive developments, including stronger co-production through the care leaver ambassadors, and clear council commitment to children’s services with significant investment and increased capacity.
They hailed the positive impact of two dedicated care leaver hubs, and a wider range of accommodation options, with improved oversight for those in unsuitable accommodation.
And they praised independent reviewing officers for providing trusted, consistent support to young people up to the age of 21.
Cllr Laura Crane, cabinet member for children’s services at Cheshire East Council said: “This report shows the strong progress we’ve made since the 2024 inspection and recognises the momentum we are building.
“Hearing our care leaver ambassadors describe their role as life changing, and the difference they feel they are making to others, is incredibly powerful and inspiring.
“We are proud of how far we’ve come, but we are equally clear that we are on a continuing journey.
“We remain fully focused on building consistency and delivering the high-quality support every care leaver deserves, and I want to thank our staff for their unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.”
Cheshire East Council is continuing to recruit staff in children’s services and is looking for permanent staff to fill key roles.
For details an d to apply visit https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/childrenssocialcarejobs
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