Hartlepool Borough Council services for care leavers praised by Ofsted inspectors
Council services for care leavers have continued to improve, an official watchdog has said.
Ofsted inspectors visited the Hartlepool Borough Council’s Children’s Services 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 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.”
Care leavers were found to have strong and trusting relationships with their personal advisers.
And the Children’s Services leadership team was recognised for its ambition to improve services further for all care leavers,
Councillor Jim Lindridge, chair of the 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.
“It’s particularly encouraging to see the excellent feedback from care leavers themselves about the major difference this support makes.”
Inspectors praised a number of other areas, including a commitment to listening and responding to care leavers.
Support that helps young people develop independence and stability, was also highlighted, together with good access to health services, including dedicated mental health provision.
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.