A full Ofsted inspection in June found that Middlesbrough Council has made clear improvements in their children's services department - with stronger leadership, better planning and more effective support for vulnerable children and young people. However, all four key areas assessed - children in need of protection, children in care, care leavers and social work practice - still require improvement. Services for care leavers have reportedly improved, with more resources and greater support from personal advisers. Councillor Luke Henman, the council’s executive member for children’s services, said: “In Middlesbrough, we are 100 per cent committed to providing the very best for our children and young people and I welcome this report. While improvement is still needed, stronger leadership and a clear plan are helping to drive better outcomes for children and young people in Middlesbrough.