THE way social care teams in York look after children at risk has been praised by a watchdog.

An unannounced Ofsted inspection of the city’s social care and early intervention services department delved into how vulnerable youngsters, who may be suffering abuse and neglect, are identified and cared for.

Spot checks were carried out on social workers’ case files, with inspectors also analysing how they are supervised and observing them during their duties.

The inspectors found York’s care network was “robust” and had led to fewer referrals and more effective use of services.

Social work assessments and the speed of responses, as well as the out-of-hours service, the training and support workers are offered and arrangements for caring for disabled children, were marked out for praise.

The council’s “culture of continuous improvement” also received positive comments.

Eoin Rush, the authority’s assistant director of children’s specialist services, said: “Every day, our staff face and respond to concerns for children and young people in the city and make important judgements in often difficult circumstances.

“The outcome of this inspection is a testament to our highly-committed and skilful staff who work to protect and improve the outcomes for some of the most vulnerable children and young people in York.”