TAMESIDE Council has been forced to change the authority it is working with as it looks to improve its children’s services department – after its partner was told to improve.
Neighbouring Stockport had been on board since it was deemed inadequate by Ofsted and Government-appointed commissioner Andy Couldrick brought in.
Now after inspectors rated its service as ‘requires improvement,’ a switch has taken place.
In a report, they state: “Since the last inspection in March 2022, when services for children were judged to be good, there has been a continued rise in the demand for children’s services, including an increase in complexity.
“Leaders were not sufficiently sighted on the impact this was having, leading to a deterioration in the quality and impact of support both for children who need help and protection and for those in care.”
That has meant the Greater Manchester Combined Authority has now stepped in to work with Tameside, whose executive member for children and families, Cllr Teresa Smith, said: “We’re getting some fantastic support from the hand-picked team of expert individuals from our strategic improvement partner Stockport, who have made a strong start.
“The recent Commissioner’s report acknowledges that the establishment of joint Stockport/Tameside review teams has been a positive development, creating an inclusive environment and enhancing skills and review technique.
“This reflects what a positive relationship we have built here and our openness to develop and improve our ways of working.
“Following Stockport’s Ofsted rating, we will continue with the support of the team that have already embedded well here in Tameside and I’m confident an updated arrangement, with new host organisation Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) having oversight and support, will enable us to continue to build on this.”
Children’s Services Commissioner, Mr Couldrick, added: “In my first report, published in September 2024, I recommended the appointment of a Strategic Improvement Partner to work with Tameside to drive and support much-needed improvements in the quality of practice, leadership of practice and partnership working for Tameside’s children, young people and families.
“This was agreed by the Secretary of State and Stockport MBC was commissioned to host the Improvement Partnership team.
“In May 2025, Stockport had an Ofsted inspection and their overall rating slipped, and so it has been necessary to secure a new host for the team.
“In exploring options, I have been very mindful of two issues.
“Firstly, in my recent update report I described Tameside has having ‘lost a year’ in terms of improvement, because of the churn and change in the political, corporate and service leadership.
“This has now settled, and the foundations for improvement are much stronger. However, there is no time to waste now.
“The team dedicated to supporting Tameside comprises staff with significant skills and experience of leading improvement, whether as part of Stockport’s external improvement team or in other local authorities regionally and nationally.
“They have made a strong start in Tameside and so it is imperative that any change of host enables continuity and consistency in the support provided.
“Starting again, therefore, was not an option. Instead, we looked for a new host organisation which could support and enable the offer to Tameside, maintaining the consistency of staff and the relationships built with staff and leaders in Tameside.
“Greater Manchester Combined Authority has been very supportive and has agreed to step in as the new host for the team.
“I am confident that the team will be able, uninterrupted, to maintain the support to Tameside and, together with Tameside’s new leadership, will secure the improvement that the borough’s children and young people need and deserve.
“I am very grateful to Stockport for the energy and skill with which they stepped up as Tameside’s partner.”