Inspectors who carried out a review praised Cornwall Council for the improvements it had made through the Covid-19 pandemic.

The education watchdog visited in January to look specifically at the council’s arrangements for finding permanent homes for children, and the support that’s provided.

Inspectors reviewed the experiences of children in care, how the best living arrangements are made for them, and the quality of social work and management.

The report found that the local authority has maintained a high standard of work in identifying permanent homes for children who need them.

It stated that the council was able to prioritise services for children in care, despite the challenges of the pandemic, and that improvements had been made since the last inspection in October 2019 when children’s social care services were rated ‘outstanding’ overall.

Inspectors highlighted that the county’s children’s services have “capable and committed social workers with a depth of skills and experience” and that “children are given the maximum opportunity to remain with their families where it is safe to do so, or to return home from care”.

Children’s views in the process were sought and listened to, said the report, and careful planning meant that children were matched to prospective adopters who were well placed to meet their needs.