The use of secure remand has also reduced, along with a decrease in the volume and severity of offences after YJS intervention, the report added.

Inspectors highlighted that work by YJS is enabling children to "achieve great things".

The report states: "Work with children across assessing, planning and delivery was impressive and consistently strong.

"Similarly, work with victims was high-quality, individualised and responsive, driving positive outcomes and safety for victims.

"It was clear that staff utilised their professional skills to help children lead their best lives and provide effective support to victims. Staff were humble in their approach, caring, thoughtful, cheering children on to achieve great things."

The council said the service had been praised by both victims and the young people it works with.

One young person said: "It's been nice to talk about my offence without being judged.

"I'm pleased in a way that I got a referral order, as this is the only thing that really made me question my behaviour. I regret my actions and, on reflection, I can learn from this."

Meanwhile, a victim added: "We had no idea what the process would be. It felt like someone other than family cared."

Simon Pearse, service manager for the Derby City YJS, said he was "absolutely thrilled" with the inspection outcome.

"As a service, we feel that this reflects our tireless work to support children to be the very best version of themselves, whatever their starting point is."

The inspection report made two recommendations to improve further.

One was for the service to be "more consistent in their analysis in assessing activity for safety", while another was for Derbyshire Police to implement a more robust process "for the collection of protected characteristics information from victims".

Mr Pearse said the service was "always looking" at new issues that could affect children and young people.

He added: "We are a very agile and versatile service and we will continue to monitor what is happening and we will look proactively to find new ways to combat any issues which are affecting children, young people, or the safety of our local communities."

Derby City Youth Justice Service rated 'outstanding'