News Insight: Ofsted reveals the key to excellence

In Ofsted's most recent round of assessments of children's services departments, 10 local authorities across England were found to be performing excellently. Now, as part of its commitment to disseminate evidence of good practice, the inspectorate has published what it believes to be examples of how councils can drive improvements within their own departments.

Using case studies from the 10 authorities, Ofsted provides information on how the needs of children, young people and families can be met through a process of consultation, support and strong leadership.

Building trust

Isobel Cattermole, acting corporate director of children, schools and families in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, one of the 10 case studies, says building trust and understanding with the community is key to improving safeguarding practice. Its safeguarding work within the borough's Muslim community received praise from Ofsted. With a high number of ethnic minority residents, the council's team was aware of the need to ensure the wellbeing of children but also of the cultural sensitivities involved in such a process. "At first we met with a lot of reluctance from families," Cattermole explains. "We were concerned that the community had a lack of understanding about our safeguarding role. But it was our job to help them understand where we were coming from."