News / Children's Services
Bristol’s children’s services continue to improve, new report finds
A new Ofsted report has found that Bristol City Council’s children’s services are continuing to improve.
Inspectors, who conducted a focused visit on the council’s children’s services in December 2025, looked at the local authority’s arrangements for children in need and child protection planning.
The report, which was published on January 12, found that “committed and determined political and corporate leadership is bringing positive change to children in Bristol” and that “workforce morale is high.”
Green Party councillor Christine Townsend is “really pleased” that “significant progress” has been recognised – photo: Green Party
They found that support for those living in private foster care has “improved significantly” since their last inspection in 2023, and that most children in need are receiving “the right type of help at the right time, and benefit from well-supported multi-agency planning”.
However, despite showing improvements in many areas, inspectors also found that, for some children, “safety planning is not swift enough or reviewed regularly.”
Christine Townsend, chair of the Children and Young People committee at Bristol City Council, said that she was “really pleased that Ofsted has recognised the significant progress made in improving children’s services in Bristol.
“This outcome reflects the hard work and dedication of our staff, who are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.
“It also reflects a change in political focus since May 2024 that sees services for our children placed at the centre of this administration.”
She added: “There will always be areas for improvement, and we are confident of being able to progress those highlighted in the report.”
Work is already underway to make additional improvements, including new measures “to ensure safety plans are reviewed regularly and include clear information for families” and “to improve the recording of notes in supervision records to ensure transparency and clarity in decision-making.”
A full Ofsted inspection of Bristol’s Children’s Services is due within the next six months.
Main photo: Karen Johnson
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