Support for Hampshire care leavers praised in latest Ofsted report

The report highlights the ‘high aspirations’ that both political and corporate leaders have for Hampshire’s care leavers and their ‘unwavering commitment to continually improving’ their services.  

It is the first time Ofsted has visited the County Council since 2024, when it received its second consecutive outstanding judgement overall. In that inspection, the authority was judged outstanding in four out of five areas, and good in one category – concerning the experience and progress of care leavers. Since then, the County Council has undertaken significant work to give care leavers a stronger and more influential role in shaping the services provided to them. In its report, Ofsted has acknowledged the impact of this work – which gives care leavers in Hampshire a direct line into their local authority. 

Commenting on the report, Steph How, Director of Children’s Services, said: “As an authority, we strive to continually improve our services wherever possible. That’s why we always welcome the opportunity through these inspections to not only demonstrate our strengths but also understand where we can look to do even better. This report is testament to that commitment and recognises the significant strides we have taken to further build on our already strong offer for care leavers. This work means that care leavers rightly have a clear and active voice in the work that supports them, and that our services continue to make a meaningful and lasting difference in their lives.” 

Key achievements have included the recent introduction of a new Voice Empowerment Worker responsible for ensuring that the views, wishes and experiences of both care leavers and children currently in care remain integral to the council’s work. This builds on other successes including the development of Hampshire care councils for care leavers and children in care, and representation from care leavers on the County Council’s Corporate Parenting Board, which works to promote the best possible outcomes for these children and young people.  

Inspectors praised the County Council for providing ‘high-quality, responsive support that reflects the needs of care leavers’ and noted that young people’s views and aspirations are crucial in informing written plans for their future. In their report, they particularly point to the important role of Personal Advisers (PAs), who support care leavers from the age of 16 as they transition into early adulthood. This includes helping young people to explore their future options for accommodation, education, employment and training, as well as supporting them with budgeting and money matters, their wellbeing, and their interests and hobbies.  

During their inspection, Ofsted spoke directly with care leavers who shared that PAs have made a significant positive impact on their lives. Inspectors found that PAs successfully ‘build strong, trusting and enduring relationships’ with young people and work closely with senior managers, social workers and partner agencies where appropriate to protect care leavers at risk of harm and ensure that those with specific needs receive strong, tailored, and effective support.  

Ofsted also commended PAs on their ‘tenacious’ advocacy, which supports care leavers to ‘pursue a diverse range of interests and hobbies’, overcome any barriers they may face to education and employment, and access the right help in the right place. Together this support means that care leavers can move successfully into fulfilling, independent lives.  

Visit the Ofsted website to read the report in full or find out more about the local support for care leavers on the Connect to Support Hampshire website.