Stockport Council to partner on improving children’s services in Tameside

The Department for Education (DfE) has approved the appointment of Stockport Council to support neighbouring Tameside Council to improve children’s services.

Recent failed Ofsted inspections and claims of a ‘toxic’ culture in Tameside’s children’s services led to the resignations of the borough’s Council Leader and Chief Executive earlier this year. While Oldham’s Chief Executive has taken on an interim leadership role in Tameside during this time, Stockport Council will bring its track record of successful DfE partnerships and experience in improving children’s services to support Tameside Council to enhance outcomes for children and families in the borough.

The DfE and Children’s Commissioner Andy Couldrick interviewed a number of potential strategic partners for the role. Stockport Council, whose children’s services were rated as “Good” by Ofsted in 2022, also had the full backing of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), who will actively support this strategic partnership, working closely with both councils to ensure its success.

Stockport’s Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, Cllr Wendy Meikle said:

“We are incredibly proud to have been selected by the DfE to partner with Tameside as they continue their improvement journey.

“Stockport has a long history of successful strategic partnerships and we look forward to what this opportunity will bring for both councils.

“Stockport had the full backing of our colleagues at the GMCA and we will work together to ensure the best outcomes for children.”

Tameside Council Executive Leader Cllr Eleanor Wills said:

“We welcome this support from our close neighbour Stockport and from our wider Greater Manchester family. The partnership, along with the recent appointment of a permanent director of children’s services Jill Colbert, is a really positive step in our improvement journey.”