a lack of stable leadership over the past five years was a barrier to progress.
Children under the care of Dudley Council have been put at risk, with Ofsted finding children’s services to be inadequate across every area inspected.
Ofsted said ineffective and unsafe practices had left some children living in circumstances of risk for too long.
Inspectors also raised concerns about management oversight and delays in decisions affecting children and families.
The impact of leaders on social work practice was rated inadequate, alongside the experiences and progress of care leavers, children in care and children requiring help and protection.
Ofsted found problems with referrals to Dudley’s multi-agency safeguarding hub (MASH).
There were delays at every stage of decision-making, while the response to children who went missing and were at risk of exploitation was insufficient.
Inspectors also found delays in responding to children who were at risk of significant harm.
Assessments were inconsistent, while the quality of child protection plans was described as poor.
The report also highlighted significant weaknesses in the council’s response to homeless 16 and 17-year-olds.
Ofsted said a lack of stable leadership over the past five years had been a barrier to progress.
Staffing reductions and reduced capacity had also affected the council’s ability to provide effective support to children and families.
Although a permanent director of children’s services, John Macilwraith, was appointed in November, Ofsted said his ability to deliver change had been affected by wider leadership and workforce issues.
It added that credible improvement plans were in place, but these had not yet had an impact.
Dudley Council chief executive Balvinder Heran said the findings were challenging but reflected concerns already identified by the authority.
She said there had recently been significant change at the council, including the appointment of Macilwraith and a restructuring of the senior leadership team.
The council has also agreed to invest £21 million in children’s services.
Heran said previous investment had largely been spent on external placements, while the new funding would strengthen the department and its services.
The authority also hopes to reduce the costs associated with external placements through improved services.
Heran said the council was determined to make improvements and ensure they were sustained.
Ofsted inspectors are expected to return in early 2027 to assess whether the authority has made sufficient progress.
The findings place significant pressure on Dudley Council to improve safeguarding, leadership and support for vulnerable children across the borough.
