South Tyneside Council’s Children’s Services have been rated Good and Outstanding by Ofsted, marking a significant turnaround since the authority’s previous inspection in 2023, when services were judged Inadequate.
The inspection, which took place in June 2026, awarded the following judgements:
- The impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families – Good
- The experiences and progress of children who need help and protection – Good
- The experiences and progress of children in care – Good
- The experiences and progress of care leavers – Outstanding
Inspectors found that children and young people receive the right help and support at the right time, and that when children are at risk, services respond promptly to reduce those risks.
The report highlights how the Council works to identify family members who can care for children when they cannot safely remain at home. Where this is not possible, children are cared for in suitable regulated homes. Inspectors also found that children in care have a voice in decisions affecting them and are supported effectively as they move into adulthood.
Ofsted recognised the quality of support provided to care leavers, describing relationships between care-experienced young people and their personal advisers as “remarkable” and noting how these relationships help young people to thrive.
In their report, inspectors said services for children and families in South Tyneside had “improved significantly” since the previous inspection. They highlighted the positive impact of a stable and skilled workforce, effective leadership and a child-focused approach that puts children and families at the heart of service delivery.
Inspectors also found that leaders know their services well, have strengthened oversight of practice and have purposefully and meaningfully addressed all areas identified for improvement at the last inspection. They also recognised leaders’ ambition and commitment to continuing to improve outcomes for children and young people.
Stuart Easingwood, Director of Children’s Services at South Tyneside Council, said: “This report represents a significant milestone for South Tyneside and reflects the dedication, professionalism and determination of our workforce and partners to improve services for children, young people and families.
“Since the previous inspection, we have worked relentlessly to strengthen practice, build a stable and experienced workforce, and ensure that children and young people receive the support at the right time.
“We are particularly pleased that Ofsted has recognised our support for care leavers as outstanding, alongside the good services being delivered across children’s social care.
“While we are proud of the progress recognised in this report, we remain focused on continuing our improvement journey and achieving the best possible outcomes for children, young people and families.”
The report highlights several strengths, including effective safeguarding arrangements, strong partnership working, meaningful opportunities for children in care to influence services and exceptional support for care leavers.
Inspectors also identified a small number of areas for further development, including improving support for young carers, strengthening the work around cultural heritage and identity for children in care and care-experienced young people, and improving consistency in planning and oversight for some children in need.
The Council has acknowledged these findings and will continue to build on the progress made.
The findings follow continued investment in Children’s Services and the development of a restorative and relational approach to practice, helping to ensure children, young people and families receive consistent and effective support.
The full inspection report is available from Ofsted at South Tyneside Council Ofsted letter – 4 August 2026
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