Praise for council’s support for young care leavers

The feedback follows a focused inspection of the service last month [August].

Inspectors noted that care leavers are very well supported by staff with whom they have stable and trusted relationships and that they are effectively supported into adulthood by workers who are emotionally invested in them. This means that trusted and lasting relationships have developed that are meaningful to young people.

Inspectors also identified that young people receive high levels of emotional and practical support, for example, to attend appointments, help to learn new skills and in setting up a home. This helps them to make progress through significant changes in their lives and manage stressful life events.

The inspection also recognised how highly care leavers are valued across the council and the commitment of senior leaders and councillors to be strong and active corporate parents, putting young people at the centre of decision-making and service development.

Care leavers told inspectors that the pathway team goes ‘above and beyond’, with young people being supported through significant life events and staff celebrating individual care leavers’ successes and achievements that were important to them.

Cllr Bob Webb, the council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “We are absolutely committed to improving the lives of young care leavers in York, and I’m pleased that the inspectors recognised the care and support provided by the Pathway Team and wider council.

“It’s a privilege as corporate parents, like any other parent, to support our young people to grow as they take the next steps on their journey into employment, training, living independently and creating their own family. I am delighted that inspectors recognised the work of the team and council as we continue to work with partners, including young people on our ambitious plan for continuous improvement.”

Martin Kelly, OBE, Corporate Director of Children’s Services at the council, said: “I’d like to pass on my thanks to the whole team for their continued commitment to young people leaving care in the city. I’m particularly pleased that our young people spoke so highly of the Pathway Team, describing them as ‘dependable, reliable and committed’. Developing trusted, lasting, and meaningful relationships helps us to provide ongoing support and mentoring that is so vital to young care leavers.”

A full copy of the letter from Ofsted is available at https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/