Hartlepool Borough Council has been praised by Ofsted following a focused visit to its Children’s Services.
Inspectors visited the Council in May 2026 to review arrangements for care leavers aged 18 to 25, with a particular focus on those with specific needs.
They found that services for care leavers have continued to improve since the Council’s last full inspection in March 2024, when Children’s Services were judged to be ‘outstanding’ overall and the experiences and progress of care leavers were judged to be ‘good’.
The inspectors highlighted that vulnerable care leavers and those who need additional help benefit from “consistent and effective support from dedicated and tenacious practitioners.”
They found that the Children’s Services leadership team is highly ambitious in its drive to further improve services for all care leavers, backed by corporate commitment across the Council.
Care leavers were found to have strong and trusting relationships with their personal advisers and to value the support they receive, with one young person describing their adviser as “mint”.
Inspectors praised a number of other key strengths, including:
- strong commitment to listening and responding to the views of care leavers, with their views increasingly influencing service development
- effective, relationship-based support that helps young people develop independence and stability
- care leavers’ health needs are well supported, with good access to health services, including dedicated mental health provision
- a well-developed local offer providing practical and financial support
- targeted support for vulnerable care leavers
- a positive working culture for staff, supported by accessible leadership and manageable caseloads
The report also noted that the Council is ambitious to increase the number of care leavers in education, employment and training, with plans already in place to address this.
Councillor Jim Lindridge, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Children’s Services Committee, said: “We are delighted by the outcome of this inspection, which reflects the strength of leadership within our Children’s Services and the continued progress we are making to further improve the lives of our young people.
“I would like to thank our dedicated staff, whose commitment, professionalism and enthusiasm help care leavers to build trusted relationships and receive the emotional and practical support they need. It’s particularly encouraging to see the excellent feedback from care leavers themselves about the major difference this support makes.
“There is still more to do, particularly in supporting more care leavers into education, employment and training. We remain ambitious for every young person and will continue working to raise aspirations and ensure they are supported to achieve their full potential as they move into adulthood.”