Reform-run Essex council's children's social care is rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted in every area for a third time

Essex County Council has become the first and only council in England to receive an outstanding Ofsted rating in all four areas of children's social care across three consecutive inspections. Peter Harris, the Reform UK councillor who leads the authority, said the outcome showed that vulnerable children and families were getting the support they need. Reform has controlled the council since May, though the inspection was conducted in September.

The outstanding rating covers the full range of children's social care: child protection, fostering, adoption, support for children in their early years and care for those already looked after by the system.

Ofsted director Yvette Stanley told the council that securing outstanding ratings across every area was a 'significant achievement' given rising costs and demand.

The council is projecting a £20m overspend this year on children's services, with two pounds in every three of its total budget being spent on adult and children's care.