A REGULATOR has found “sustained progress” is being made at a children’s services once deemed inadequate.

Ofsted noted continuing improvements being made by Together for Children, since the company took over the management of children’s services Sunderland in April this year.

In Ofsted’s first monitoring visit to the new company, and the fourth monitoring visit to Sunderland since services were judged to be inadequate in July 2015, the inspectors noted that they ‘continued to see progress in practice and performance since the last monitoring visit’.

The visit, in mid-June, looked at the leadership, management and governance of the newly formed company and the impact on ensuring improvement, effective strategies and good-quality services for children.

In her follow up letter, Fiona Millns, who led the inspection team, said: “Overall Together for Children are making sustained progress in their improvement of services to children and families.”

She added: “There is a clear vision in Sunderland for the delivery of children’s services through the recently established company.

“The new arrangements are supported by strong governance and backing from the local authority and partners. “Performance management and quality assurance processes are increasingly effective in driving improvement in services and there has been sustained progress.”

Together for Children chief executive Alex Hopkins said: “It is encouraging that Ofsted have recognised the progress we have made in their visit, which came just two months after the new company was officially launched.

“While there remains much to be done as we continue on our improvement journey, the findings from this visit make for another important step forward.”

Sunderland City Council leader Councillor Paul Watson said: “We’re pleased that following this latest visit, Ofsted have concluded that in partnership with Together for Children we are continuing to make steady progress.

“There is still much to do to get services to the level our children and young people deserve but we are continuing to work hard to achieve this and are confident that we are on the right track for future improvements.”

Inspectors noted the need to recruit more permanent social workers.