Reform UK Leadership Delivers Turnaround for County’s Vulnerable Children

Staffordshire Children’s Services Earns Ofsted Praise After Major Improvements

Staffordshire County Council’s children’s services have been given a significant vote of confidence by Ofsted following a focused reinspection in December 2025. Inspectors described the service as having made strong progress since it was rated as requiring improvement in 2023. They highlighted ambitious leadership, improved management oversight and better decision-making for vulnerable children.

The report notes that the council has successfully addressed long-standing weaknesses, particularly around the front door process. This is the system used to receive and respond to referrals about children who may need help or protection. A new integrated approach has been introduced. It ensures that referrals are dealt with more quickly and decisions are made appropriately. Inspectors found that risks including neglect, sexual abuse, domestic abuse and extra-familial harm are now being recognised and responded to more effectively.

Much of the progress is being credited to the change in political control at the council. Since Reform UK took administration of Staffordshire County Council, children’s services have been made a top priority. The leadership has provided clear direction and stability, backed by significant additional investment.

In 2024, the council appointed experienced director Bernie Brown to lead the service. Under his leadership, and with strong backing from the Reform UK administration, the council has been able to recruit more social workers, reduce pressure on existing staff and improve the quality of practice.

Cabinet member for Children and Young People, Councillor Nick Lakin, said the turnaround reflected the administration’s commitment to putting families first. “The safety and well-being of every child in Staffordshire is our number one priority,” he said. “We have listened to what needed to change, invested properly in the workforce and supported our dedicated staff to deliver better outcomes. This report is a credit to everyone involved.”

The council has committed an extra £5.5 million to children’s services in the 2026/27 budget. This funding will allow the recruitment of 119 additional full-time equivalent posts over the next two years. That should help bring down the high caseloads that some social workers are still carrying.

While the reinspection report is overwhelmingly positive, it also identifies areas that still need attention. These include making sure every case is allocated to a worker with the right skills and experience, and further strengthening management oversight in a small number of cases. Ofsted said leaders are already aware of these issues and have realistic plans in place to make further improvements.

The positive findings have been welcomed by families, frontline staff and local councillors. Many see the progress as clear evidence that the Reform UK administration’s focus on practical investment and workforce support is delivering real change for children and families across the county.

Staffordshire County Council says it remains determined to build on this momentum and achieve an overall good rating at the next full inspection.