Martyn Smith Ldr

An Ofsted inspection rated Dudley Council’s children’s services inadequate, identifying delayed responses to children at risk, weak oversight of home-educated children, insufficient early support, staffing instability, fragile care placements and inadequate preparation for leaving care. Inspectors also noted strengths, including support for some children in care and care leavers, and said senior leaders understood the need for significant change. The council has credible improvement plans and has committed to investment, but Ofsted found that these plans had not yet produced meaningful impact and called for stronger safeguarding, management oversight, planning and partnership working.