Vulnerable children are receiving better care under the new council – but more needs to be done to help children in need of protection.

That was the verdict of Ofsted inspectors following a surprise visit to Wilmslow facilities.

Inspector Ralph Trevelyan-Butler said improvements were needed but also recognised several advances made in the past two years since the local government reorganisation.

Following the surprise inspection over two days in April, councillors at a Children and Families Scrutiny Committee meeting on Tuesday, welcomed the report and the indication the service is improving.

Lorraine Butcher, head of service for children and families, said: "It was a very positive inspection.

"It felt calm and there were fewer instances of the lead inspector coming to me saying he has a concern.

"There was very little of that compared to the previous year. It was well managed and we feel we came through it pretty well. There are areas for improvement and these are things we have been working on."

Ofsted identified areas which met requirements, with some areas for development.

It added: "The council has acted swiftly to modernise services following its creation in 2009 as part of the local government reorganisation."

Inspectors noted partnership working with police has improved enabling them to identify the most vulnerable children.

They also said improved management of child protection

investigations ensures initial child protection conferences are held promptly.

Referrals are now quicker and the council is more effectively managing the risk of harm to the most vulnerable children.

However, the council still needs to improve clarity in gathering information, speed of referrals, quality of assessments and consistency

of child protection inquiries and recording of minutes.

A full inspection, report and new rating are expected later this year.