Children's services in the city are making "a significant shift towards identifying unmet needs" as the number of children in care has fallen to its lowest level in 18 months, according to a DfE report.  

The service received an Ofsted rating of "inadequate" in 2019 and an inspection in 2022 saw the service rated as "requires improvement" but follow-up visits have confirmed sustained improvement.  

Cllr Sarah Hill, cabinet member for children's services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "This is a significant milestone for services for children and families in Stoke-on-Trent.  

"We've made great progress, and we're pleased to be moving forward without government intervention.  

"The Family Matters programme has been central to this transformation, providing families with the early support they need to thrive. 

"While we recognise there is still work to be done, I am confident that under the leadership of our incoming Corporate Director, Neil Macdonald, we will continue to build on this momentum, ensuring every child in Stoke-on-Trent gets the care and support they deserve." 

The council believes the focus on early intervention and partnerships has been fundamental in reducing the number of children in care and ensuring families get the correct support. 

The DfE also outlined the strong quality of social work practice and increasing number of 'Good' audit ratings, improvements in early support services and robust leadership as other key reasons for recommendation to lift the requirement for intervention.  

See the full report here