Inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted) visited Norfolk County Council's children's services department to scrutinise the quality of services provided.

Services inspected included areas such as the welfare of children in care, fostering, adoption and child protection.

Following the last full inspection, in 2022, the service was rated as good - a turnaround from previous inspections which rated it inadequate.

Leaders at the Conservative-controlled council are hoping inspectors will recognise further progress when their report is published in May.

Penny Carpenter, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for children's services (Image: James Bass)

Penny Carpenter, cabinet member for children's services, said: "We were delighted to welcome Ofsted to Norfolk last month for our routine inspection of children’s services.

"We have made significant progress since our last full inspection in 2022, when we were judged 'good'.

"The inspection was very positive and I believe inspectors were able to see the dedication of our staff, the strength of leadership and the impact of the investment we have made in transforming children’s services in Norfolk.

"The overall judgement remains confidential until the report is published in May."

At a recent full council meeting, leader Kay Mason Billig said: "We were rated good last time, but we have never been content to stand still.

"We set out to go further for children and families and we have worked very hard to do so. I am very proud of what this administration has achieved.

"The report will be published on May 18, which is after the elections, so I can't publicise the outstanding achievement of this council until then.

"I hope people will recognise the excellent service this council and this Conservative administration have provided - and will want us to continue."

© Eastern Daily Press