Bexley Council retains 'outstanding' Ofsted rating
Emily Harle
Thursday, March 30, 2023
A south east London council has been praised for maintaining “outstanding” children’s services by Ofsted inspectors, despite an increase in demand following the Covid-19 pandemic.
The inspection of Bexley Council's children's services, which took place from 6 to 10 February this year, found that leaders maintained “very effective support for children despite increasing demand following the pandemic”.
Inspectors found the services to be “outstanding” overall, meaning the borough has maintained Ofsted's highest rating since its last inspection in 2018.
The inspection report notes: “A firmly embedded model of practice means that children and families, practitioners and partner agencies know how services work and understand the expected approach to providing support.”
Inspectors added that the workforce is “well-trained”, with “impressive frontline managers” who provide careful oversight which allows staff to feel safe and supported.
Partnership arrangements for care leavers are strong, according to the report, and the council is an “ambitious and aspirational corporate parent”, the report states.
The experiences and progress of care leavers was rated "outstanding", with inspectors finding “remarkable” levels of support for care leavers that remains fully in place until they reach the age of 25. This includes the local authority covering care leaver's council tax until they reach age 25, the report adds.
“Care leavers’ physical and emotional health needs are identified well in their pathway plans”, the report says, adding: “Plans contain links to services where care leavers can access health support.”
Inspectors found that practice with children and families in need of help and protection in Bexley is strong, resulting in positive experiences and improved lives for the majority of children.
The report also notes that social workers see children promptly, and “quickly build relationships with children and their families”.
“Children with complex disabilities are supported well by specialist workers who have an excellent understanding of the impact of disabilities and the range of agencies and services needed to support children," the report adds.
Bexley’s director of children’s services, Stephen Kitchman said: “This success has been the result of a real team effort. Our brilliant Children’s Services work together to provide the best possible service for our children and young people. I’d like to thank them all for their continued hard work and dedication to Bexley families.”
Yvette Stanley, Ofsted’s national director for social care, added: “This second outstanding report for Bexley children's services is a testament to the high-quality care leaders, staff, partners and carers are providing for vulnerable children and young people.”
