City Corporation’s children’s services rated Outstanding by Ofsted

The City of London Corporation’s children’s services have received an Outstanding rating from Ofsted following an inspection.

His Majesty’s Inspector, Christine Kennet, acknowledged the unique strengths of the City Corporation’s approach, saying children living or arriving in the City of London “receive excellent services that are making a significant difference to their lives”.

Every local authority and the City Corporation – the governing body of the Square Mile – has a children’s services department. They have two main roles: to support children and families and to protect vulnerable children.

Ofsted backed the City Corporation’s “highly effective senior leadership team” who are “excellent champions who support children and young people to achieve their potential through to adulthood”.

It said children experience “a stable, committed and skilled workforce, often keeping the same social worker throughout their journey, allowing consistent and trusting relationships to develop”.

Social workers, the virtual school, and leaders, the report found, “share high aspirations for children and young people”, with social workers flourishing and enjoying “excellent training in systemic practice, with a strong focus on equity and equality”.

Inspectors found that creative work with commissioned and partner services “enhances the practical and emotional support that children and families receive” – including unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, who are the majority of the City of London’s children in care and care leavers.

Ofsted praised the political setup of the City Corporation, describing it as “unique, with strong connections that bring influence and support through resources”. It said the organisation’s links into the business community “add to children’s services’ networks, enhancing opportunities for children”.

Key findings:

• The impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families: Outstanding
• The experiences and progress of children who need help and protection: Good
• The experiences and progress of children in care: Outstanding
• The experiences and progress of care leavers: Outstanding
• Overall effectiveness: Outstanding

Chris Hayward, Chair of Policy, and Resources Committee said:

“An Outstanding Ofsted rating is a tremendous achievement for our children’s services, reflecting the dedication, expertise, and compassion of our entire team.

“We are committed to providing the highest standard of care and support for children and families, and this recognition reaffirms the City of London Corporation’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding and uplifting young lives in our community.

“We will continue building on this success to ensure every child receives the care and guidance they need to flourish.”

Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Community and Children’s Services Committee, Helen Fentimen, said:

“We are immensely proud of this recognition from Ofsted, which reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting children and families in the City of London.

“This outstanding rating is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our social workers, leaders, and community partners.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure every child in our care has the opportunities and support they need to thrive.”

Yvette Stanley, Ofsted’s National Director for Regulation and Social Care:

“Today’s inspection report highlights the determination of all those working across the City of London Corporation to make a positive difference for children and their families.

“It was a pleasure to read this report and I was particularly pleased to hear about the leadership team’s success in supporting children and young people to realise their potential through to adulthood.

“This report is a significant achievement and reflects the hard work and commitment of the City of London Corporation’s leadership team, their managers and frontline staff, as well as the wider council and safeguarding partners.”

The inspection was conducted between September 23 and 27, 2024. Read the full report here.

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk