SERVICES to protect children in Oxfordshire have been rated as “good” by Ofsted following an inspection earlier this year.

Inspectors examined Oxfordshire County Council’s services for safeguarding children and young people and looked at the quality of support for children in children’s homes, foster care or who are adopted.

They interviewed parents, children and young people as well as all those working with children and young people.

Louise Chapman, cabinet member responsible for young people, said: “We have to thank our frontline social worker staff. We have some excellent people.”

Funding for children’s social care has not been cut despite the council’s need to save £119m over four years.

Ms Chapman added: “The report does, however, outline some areas we need to continue to work to improve. This work is already under way and we will be reporting this to the next meeting of the cabinet.”

The latest judgement of ‘good’ is the second highest available and is an improvement on previous inspections.

Meera Spillett, director for children, education and families, said: “This is something for our staff to be very proud of.”

The authority is inspected every three years.