An inspection of Dorset Council Children's Services took place from 17 March to 21 March 2025.
Ofsted judgement for Dorset Children's Services
In 2021 Ofsted found Dorset to be a 'good' local authority. Following further improvements, Dorset has now been rated as 'outstanding'.
Ofsted has judged Dorset Children's Services as follows:
- impact of leaders: outstanding
- help and protection: outstanding
- children in care: outstanding
- care leavers: good
Key strengths
Key strengths are:
- strong leadership with a child centred, family first approach
- effective multi agency collaboration and strategic oversight
- high quality early intervention and family help services
- outstanding care planning and support for children in care
- robust safeguarding and contextual risk management
- meaningful participation of children and families in service design
Areas for improvement
Ofsted highlights a need for greater clarity and detail in the care leaver offer, particularly for care leaver parents.