Reform-run Essex is rated 'outstanding' for children's social care, the only council in England to do it three times running

Ofsted graded Essex County Council outstanding in all four assessed areas of children's social care — the only English council to hit the top rating across three consecutive full inspections. Peter Harris, the Reform UK councillor who leads the authority, said the result proved vulnerable children and families were getting the support they need. Essex has held the top rating since 2018, with the latest inspection carried out in late September.

The council currently supports 5,750 children through social care, with two in every three pounds of its budget going on adult and children's care combined.

Ofsted director Yvette Stanley called achieving outstanding across every area a 'significant achievement', with inspectors highlighting early help services and a strong response to domestic abuse and neglect.

Essex is running a £20m overspend on children's services this year, exposing the scale of pressure councils face even when delivering top-rated care.