by Stuart Easingwood, Director of Children’s Service, South Tyneside Council.
When the stakes are highest, true change begins with listening. In South Tyneside Children’s Services, we have embraced change in our journey to improve outcomes for children, young people and families. Following Ofsted’s judgement of ‘Inadequate’ in May 2023, we’ve faced tough questions and even tougher expectations. But rather than retreat, we’ve chosen to lean in—listening harder, engaging deeper, and building a system that truly reflects the voices of our children, young people, and families.
Our Children’s Vision is more than words on a page. Co-produced with families, young people, partners and staff, it sets out a simple but ambitious goal: every child in South Tyneside should enjoy a full, healthy life and have the support they need to thrive. The words of our young people resonate in our identity and aspiration for services in the future: “Nothing About Me Without Me.” This isn’t just a slogan—it’s a promise that every plan, every service, and every improvement will be shaped by the voices of those who matter most.
Amidst the challenges of improvement, it’s vital to recognise the incredible work our teams deliver every day. In South Tyneside, we have monthly Good Practice Celebrations, where colleagues nominate peers for outstanding contributions to children and families. These events are more than awards—they’re moments of reflection and pride, often described as humbling and emotional by those who attend. Examples shared at these sessions highlight the commitment, creativity, and compassion that underpin our practice—from supporting families through crisis to championing care leavers’ aspirations. Celebrating success reminds us why we do this work—and inspires us to keep raising the bar.
Managing change in South Tyneside cannot be separated from the reality of our region. The North East faces some of the highest levels of deprivation in the country, and this shapes everything—from the complexity of family needs to the demand for services. These challenges make our mission even more urgent: to break cycles of disadvantage and create opportunities for every child to flourish. This means we must also embrace Regional Care Cooperatives (RCCs) as a vehicle for change—working collaboratively across the North East to improve placement sufficiency, share best practice, and deliver better outcomes for children who need care.
Being under measures means scrutiny is constant. Quarterly monitoring visits have highlighted progress—better safeguarding pathways, stronger relational practice—but also areas for improvement, like placement sufficiency. In response, we’ve strengthened governance through an independently chaired Improvement Board, embedded learning across teams, and kept our focus firmly on outcomes as we progress towards a full ILACS process in the New Year.
We recognise that change is challenging, but it’s also an opportunity—a chance to create services that are inclusive, responsive, and ambitious. By listening to families, empowering professionals, and holding ourselves accountable, South Tyneside is building a future where every child thrives and every family feels supported. Our journey is far from over, but the direction is clear: together, we’re turning challenge into change.