Milton Keynes care children see Ofsted progress

By Hiyastar News Desk

Older children in care in Milton Keynes are receiving more consistent support from social workers, according to Ofsted, which has recognised positive progress at Milton Keynes City Council while setting out areas still needing improvement.

The findings were published in a letter dated 15 June 2026 after inspectors visited the council over two days in May. The visit focused on how older children in care are supported, including decisions about who looks after them, where they live and how their views are heard.

Ofsted said social workers had built positive relationships with children and young people, and that staff knew them well enough to tailor support around individual needs. Inspectors also found that children were seen regularly, helped to take part in decisions about their lives, and supported with their physical health and wellbeing.

Inspectors highlight stronger relationships with young people

The inspection looked closely at the everyday work behind care planning: conversations with children, decisions about placements, and the oversight provided by managers. Inspectors spoke with social workers and senior leaders to understand how children are protected, supported and encouraged to succeed.

The letter points to a growing understanding within the council of what older children in care need. That matters because older children can face more complex pressures around placement stability, education, health, identity and independence.

For families and carers, the findings suggest that some core parts of the local care system are moving in the right direction. Regular contact with social workers and meaningful involvement in decisions can make a practical difference to whether young people feel listened to, safe and prepared for their next steps.

A related example of children’s services scrutiny can be seen in recent coverage of child support inspection findings in Islington, where inspectors also balanced praise with clear areas for further work.

More local homes remain a priority

Ofsted also identified work still needed in Milton Keynes, including increasing the number of suitable homes for children in care. The council said it is continuing to invest so more children can stay close to home in safe and stable environments.

Placement sufficiency is a major issue for councils across England. When there are not enough suitable foster or residential homes nearby, children may face moves away from schools, friends, siblings or trusted adults. For older children, distance from familiar support can make care planning harder and can affect emotional wellbeing.

The Ofsted letter said the council’s work on fostering and residential care was developing, but the need for suitable homes remained one of the areas requiring further attention. That makes recruitment, retention and support for carers central to what happens next.

Mental health support and oversight need consistency

Alongside the positive findings, inspectors said Milton Keynes City Council needed to improve the consistency of mental health support for children in care. The report also called for stronger oversight in specific areas.

Mental health support is a key part of care planning because many children entering or living in care have experienced instability, trauma, loss or disruption. A system that identifies needs quickly and follows through with consistent help can reduce the risk of problems escalating.

The inspection did not present the findings as a final judgement on all children’s services. Instead, it focused on a defined area of practice: older children in care and the decisions made around where they live and who supports them.

Ofsted’s role in these visits is to test how services are working on the ground, not only through documents and policies but through direct conversations with staff and managers. The published letter gives residents, carers and professionals a clearer view of where progress is being recognised and where the council remains under pressure to improve.

Council says progress will continue

Councillor Peter Cannon, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said the council welcomed the findings and accepted that more work was needed.

“We welcome Ofsted’s findings, which recognise the progress we have made while also being clear about where we can go further. We are ambitious for every child in Milton Keynes and continue to invest in services so more children can stay close to home in safe, stable environments. We know there is more to do, and we are fully committed to building on this progress and working with our partners to deliver the best possible outcomes for children and young people.”

Source: Milton Keynes City Council