A COUNCIL'S children's services received a mixed bill of health following a three-week long government inspection.

Ofsted reported that Middlesbrough Council must improve in three key areas, while two further areas were deemed to be ‘good’.

In a 38-page report, lead inspector Dominic Stevens highlighted the quick and effective response of social workers when children were found to be at immediate risk of significant harm.

The 11-strong team found an effective multi-agency approach to protect young people from sexual exploitation, radicalisation or female genital mutilation.

Among the report’s 16 recommendations are improved performance management and working with partner agencies, and more detailed care and personal education plans for young people in care.

It is the latest report from the watchdog on children's services at authorities across the North-East.

Earlier this year, Darlington Borough Council was found to have multiple failings and to have put children at risk, while Sunderland City Council received a damning report which discovered “serious and widespread failings” but has seen significant improvements since the inspection.

The team that spent time in Middlesbrough recommended further work to increase the numbers of care leavers going on to education, training and employment.

The council’s mayor, chief executive and executive member for children’s services are praised for their ‘strong commitment’ and ‘good oversight and knowledge of key issues’.

Councillor Mike Carr, the council’s executive member for children’s social care, said: “The safety and well-being of children in Middlesbrough is of paramount importance, and I’m pleased this has been recognised in Ofsted’s latest report.

“These are some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, and we remain fully committed to giving them the support and safeguarding they need.

“This was a thorough inspection that left no stone unturned, and our teams of dedicated social workers and childcare professionals can take considerable pride in the number of areas of good practice that have been highlighted.

“Their work is making a very real difference to a great many young lives, and they deserve our gratitude for their ceaseless commitment and dedication.

“The report also points to some important areas where we need to improve our performance, and work to address those issues is already in hand.

“We are moving in the right direction, and I’m confident that future inspections will show we have built on the strong foundations we already have in place.”

An action plan to show improvement must now be presented to Ofsted.