Although there is research on how Children's Services respond to an adverse Ofsted inspection, there is no research on the use of private consultants who are often utilised by failing organisations to improve practice. This study is the first to look at effectiveness of private consultants and their effect on children's teams. This research identifies problematical issues around the commissioning process for private consultants as well as what can constitute an effective consultative process. Areas for further research are identified as to how we can understand the use of private consultants in practice improvement for Children’s Services.