COUNCILLORS in South Gloucestershire have met to discuss a plan of action to improve children’s services for the area after a disastrous Oftsed inspection earlier this year.

South Gloucestershire Council’s children’s services were rated “Inadequate” overall in February following a four-week inspection of services for children in need of help and protection, children looked after and care leavers last November and December.

Adoption services, meanwhile, were rated as good.

On October 9, the council’s cabinet met to discuss the service, with Cllr Jon Hunt, cabinet member for children and young people, saying progress was being made and they were in “a much better place” than six months ago.

He said: “We knew when we had an Inadequate rating from our Ofsted inspection that we were embarking on a difficult journey.

“We mustn’t be complacent, we know there are still challenges to rise to and there will be bumps in the road along the way.

“I want to pay tribute to our staff who are working tirelessly to turn things around to make sure all children get the services and care that they deserve and the people of South Gloucestershire expect.”