Bury Children’s Services show significant improvement in latest Ofsted inspection

Far more children in Bury are now receiving services that are making a positive difference to their lives and helping to ensure they are safe and well cared.

This is the verdict of the latest Ofsted inspection into Bury’s children’s services, published today.

Inspectors commended the progress made within the Children and Young People’s department and acknowledged the ongoing commitment to protecting and supporting children and families, noting that most receive the right help at the right time.

The inspectors also praised the remarkable progress made by the leadership team. They noted that Bury’s respected, highly visible and effective senior leadership team has made significant improvements, with a comprehensive plan to drive change, which in turn is supported by the whole council and partner agencies and backed by significant investment.

Since the last inspection in 2021, council leaders have steadily strengthened children’s services by fostering strong multi-agency partnerships and inviting external scrutiny to drive progress. Increased recruitment has led to a more stable workforce and reduced staff caseloads, and allowed for better, more

consistent relationships between children and their workers, who understand and respond well to their needs.

Effective early help services mean more families receive timely support that enables children to remain safely at home, while emergency responses are swift and effective. The council’s determination to listen to children and shape services around their voices was also highlighted as a real strength, with direct feedback from young people helping to shape ongoing improvements.

While some areas still require development, Ofsted recognised that leaders have clear strategies and a robust quality assurance framework to drive continual improvement, and ensure all children receive consistently high-quality support and improved outcomes.

Responding to the Ofsted report, council leaders praised staff and reaffirmed their commitment to further improving services for children and families.

Councillor Lucy Smith, deputy leader of Bury Council and cabinet member for children and young people, said: “Ofsted’s latest findings demonstrate Bury’s unwavering commitment to children and families, highlighting remarkable progress since our last inspection.

“We have made significant improvements which reflect our dedication to children and young people. I am particularly proud of the fact that it has been recognised that we listen carefully to our young people and families; and our determination to do so, and to act upon their voices, has stood out as a real strength.

“I would like to thank every member of our team for their commitment to making a lasting, positive difference in our children's lives. I also want to acknowledge and thank all our partners across various sectors, whose collaboration and support continue to be invaluable in helping us achieve these outcomes.

"We remain more motivated than ever to keep improving services to ensure all our children are safe, flourishing, and enjoy real opportunities and will continue to build on the strong progress we have made so far.”

The full report can be viewed here: Ofsted report

ENDS

Press release issued: 28 July 2025.