Ofsted has published its inspection of Lancashire County Council’s children’s services, and the news is good for every family in West Lancashire.

The service is led at cabinet level by our own Cllr Simon Evans, county councillor for Skelmersdale Central, Deputy Leader of the county council and Cabinet Member for Children and Families.

Inspectors visited from 11 to 22 May 2026 and graded:

  • The impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families: Outstanding
  • The experiences and progress of care leavers: Outstanding
  • The experiences and progress of children who need help and protection: Good
  • The experiences and progress of children in care: Good

At the previous inspection, in 2022, every area was graded Good.

What the inspectors said

The report says the council’s children’s services have “continued to strengthen the quality of services to children in most areas, and the experiences and progress for care leavers are outstanding” (Ofsted, page 1).

It found that “Council leaders and elected members demonstrate strong corporate parenting responsibilities” (page 10). And on the staff: “Without exception, staff said they genuinely love working for Lancashire County Council” (page 12).

Simon Evans: “a proud moment”

When the report came out, Cllr Evans said: “This is a proud moment for Lancashire and, most importantly, a strong endorsement of the difference our children’s services are making for children, young people, care leavers and families.”

He was quick to share the credit with the people who do the work: “The inspection recognises the dedication, skill and compassion of our staff, as well as the strength of our leadership and partnerships across the county.”

That is right. This result was built by social workers, personal advisers, foster carers and managers over several years.

Not resting on it

Ofsted named three areas to improve: the needs of young carers in assessments and plans, the consistency of plans that deal with immediate risk of harm, and oversight of children in unregistered children’s homes or under Deprivation of Liberty orders.

As Cllr Evans said: “We know there is always more to do, and we will continue to build on this progress so every child in Lancashire has the support, care and opportunities they need to thrive.”

Update, 3 September 2026: the cabinet approved an Achieving Excellence Plan to address all three areas Ofsted identified.