CYP Now - Hackney overcomes cyber attack and Child Q scandal to receive ‘good’ rating

Ofsted has praised Hackney Council for improvements to its children’s services despite facing challenges from the Covid pandemic, cyber criminals and the Child Q scandal.

Hackney deputy mayor Anntoinette Bramble said she was pleased with inspectors' recognition of anti-racist practice. Picture: Hackney Council

When inspected in 2019, the council’s children’s services had been graded as "requires improvement" for its overall effectiveness, leadership and child protection.

But following their visit in July this year inspectors have uplifted its rating in all these areas to "good".

Inspectors note this had been achieved as the council continues to face a “lingering post-pandemic legacy” of Covid.

The pandemic has disproportionately impacted the area due to its above average numbers of black and other global majority residents and staff.

In addition, the council is still suffering the effects of a cyber attack four years ago when hackers accessed personal data of at least 280,000 residents, including their health information and sexual orientation.

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