Bath and North East Somerset Council has welcomed the findings of an Ofsted inspection into its Children’s Services, which highlighted that young people in care across the district are well-supported into adulthood.

Inspectors highlighted the council's “culture and warmth” as significant strengths. They also noted the stability of the leadership team and workforce fosters enduring relationships, ensuring that young people receive consistent support from individuals who genuinely care for their well-being.

They said trusting relationships with their social workers and personal advisers helped young people to make progress and to have positive experiences. Young people are encouraged by their personal advisers to fulfil their ambitions through study or work.

Mandy Bishop, Bath and North East Somerset Council’s chief operating officer, said: “I am very pleased that inspectors acknowledged our commitment to getting services right for care-experienced young people. They also acknowledged we are self-aware and know that there is always more to do which reflects our continuous ambitions for our young people.”

Inspectors noted that the council has committed corporate and political investment and prioritised care experienced young people across the service. The local authority, which also takes in Midsomer Norton and Radstock, continues to value the involvement of young people in shaping its services.

Corporate leaders and elected members have made leaving care a protected characteristic and signed up to the Care Leaver Covenant.

The inspection report says personal advisers are warm and driven to make sure care-experienced young people are helped to navigate their way through complex emotional trauma. Young people said they feel supported and that senior leaders listen to them.

Care-experienced young people with additional vulnerabilities receive early support to stop their situations escalating. Those young people who are former unaccompanied asylum-seeking children are exceptionally well-supported with their mental health and diverse needs.