'We used to be on the outside looking in; now we are very much behind the wheel driving things forward alongside leaders.'

These are the words of a young person who has been supported by us, which we are celebrating after being rated Outstanding for the services we deliver to children and young people.

We received the grading by Ofsted following a recent inspection of our services for children who need help and protection, children in care, and care leavers.

Having gone up a rating from Good in 2022, inspectors praised us for keeping children at the heart of everything we do, which officials noted led to 'the development of highly effective services that are having a lasting impact on the lives of many children, particularly children in care and care leavers'.

Involved in development

The report highlighted the influence and participation that children have in development of our service, with senior and political leaders listening and learning from children, staff and carers.

This has resulted in the creation of a culture where children and the workforce come first, leading to an outward-facing and innovative service that is meeting the needs of children and families to a high standard.

Extended family

When speaking to inspectors, social workers told officers that the authority is a great place to work with a sense of belonging that made us their employer of choice.

Similarly, personal advisers for care leavers also had a deep sense of pride; as well as the care leavers themselves, who told inspectors they have strong and caring relationships with workers and view them as extended family.

Supporting wellbeing

Ofsted also highlighted that our emotional well-being offer has been shaped and influenced by care leavers themselves.

This includes the Next Venture Fund, an annual budget going directly to a group of care leavers to help them develop areas of our service.

The fund has been used to introduce 'well-being bags' for care leavers, monthly craft sessions and well-being walks. The care leavers group told inspectors how much they valued this level of connection, and the trust leaders have in them to manage their own service budget.

Corporate parent

John Pearce, our director for children and young people's services, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been rated as Outstanding and to read the overwhelmingly positive things highlighted by inspectors in the report.

"As a local authority and the 'corporate parent' of children and young people in County Durham, we strive to put those we support at the heart of what we do and shape the delivery of our services around their needs and outcomes. We're pleased that this work has shone through during the inspection, and we will continue to work hard for our children and young people."

Staff and care leavers celebrating the Ofsted rating outside the Gala cinema