“We want to aspire to be outstanding” – that was the message from children’s services bosses as they begin to turn things around in Worcestershire.

Two years on from a damning report which labelled safeguarding services as failing, County Hall chiefs said they were starting to look towards a brighter future.

Back in March, Ofsted lifted it into adequate status, but Gail Quinton, the director in charge of the department, told the Conservative cabinet she would not rest until it was further improved.

The latest report, which was debated by a county council watchdog-style panel earlier this month, has described the improvements already in place as a “step change.” Mrs Quinton said: “What we’ve been doing is seeking to make changes which are long lasting, and that has not been a quick or easy process.

“We’ve put the foundations down but we want to get better, we want to be good at the next inspection, and we want to aspire to be outstanding.” Councillor Adrian Hardman, leader of the council, admitted it was “a shock” when safeguarding services were deemed to be failing, but said: “It’s clear a lot of progress has been made.”

Councillor Liz Eyre, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “At the last inspection we were deemed to be adequate, but that simple word understates the real step change the service has undertaken.

“But we are not complacent and realise we are on a journey.

“The change to go from failing to adequate seems small, but it’s a massive one already.”

Talks are taking place with Ofsted bosses about the possibility of taking away a ‘notice to improve’ which remains in place.

Hopes are high that will be granted, on the basis of an exit strategy which outlines the next steps for improving the services on offer.

Despite the authority having to make £90 million worth of savings by 2014/15, the budget for protecting children has remained protected, and even increased year-on-year.