George Devlin, Trafford’s executive member for babies, children and young people, said: “First and foremost, we want to acknowledge the children, young people and families who rely on our services.
“This report tells us that, in some important areas, we have not provided the standard of service they have a right to expect. For that, we are sorry.”
He added: “We fully accept Ofsted’s findings and recognise that some children have waited too long for support and protection. That is not good enough, and we are determined to put it right.”
Inspectors had recognised leaders’ “openness to challenge” and responsiveness to concerns raised during the inspection, Devlin continued, but added: “However, the report is clear that leaders did not fully understand the scale and impact of issues in some service areas.”
“Our focus is now on strengthening oversight and accelerating improvement.”
He said work had begun to implement “improvement actions”.
Conservative leader of the opposition, Nathan Evans, said it was “one of the most serious reports” any council could receive.
He added that it was a “devastating failure for Trafford and, most importantly, for vulnerable children and their families”.
Liberal Democrat leader Shaun Ennis said the report was “deeply concerning for families and young people”.
He added: “Staff on the ground across our children’s services are being tasked with the impossible.
“Trafford is a critically underfunded council.”