A FORMAL improvement notice handed to Devon County Council’s children’s services department after was rated inadequate two-and-a-half years ago, has been lifted.

Children’s minster Edward Timpson praised the service provided to children, young people and their families in Devon and said it has improved significantly.

And, he says, the county council can now be an example to other struggling authorities of how to bring about improvement.

Children’s social care in Devon was judged to be inadequate two-and-a-half years ago; last year inspectors recognised there had been considerable progress – but ruled that services still required improvement.

Now, in a letter to county council leader John Hart and the cabinet member for children’s services, James McInnes, the minister said: “It is clear Devon has made good progress in addressing the issues raised in Ofsted’s inspection report of May 2015.

“Overall I am reassured that strong leadership; a shared vision for children’s services; success in workforce recruitment; improved audit and quality assurance systems; and the more effective use of data has led to an organisation which better understands its strengths and areas to develop.

“It is clear that you are in a strong position to build on the improvements you have made.

“On the basis of these findings I am lifting the improvement notice and ending the formal intervention arrangements in Devon.”

Mr Timpson said that the county still needs to sustain its improvements and ensure consistency across the county.

Mr McInnes welcomed the minister’s decision to end his formal intervention in Devon and praised council staff.

He said: “This is excellent news and a real tribute to our workforce and management.

“However, there are no grounds for complacency. Our aim must always be to do the absolute best we can for the children and families in Devon who we are here to help.”