Ofsted praises Wandsworth Council’s ‘child-focused’ approach to children’s services

"Most children and families benefit from the support and intervention they receive", Ofsted states in its latest report on Wandsworth's children's services, following a visit from inspectors between 7 and 18 November.

• Inspections Clinic: Children’s services inspections

• Alternatives to recently closed Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board

Inspectors noted: “The healthy culture that has been created in the organisation places children at the centre of its ethos and approach.”

The voices and views of children in care and care leavers are taken into account when key decisions are made, inspectors found, and staff focus on understanding children’s wishes, views and feelings.

Inspectors also said that the vast majority of children and families receive the right support at the right time, and that the workers are committed to improving the lives of children in the borough.

The report notes that the council’s services maintain a “culture of appreciation, kindness, support and challenge”, adding: “The ambitious, dynamic and experienced senior leadership team ensures that children living in the London Borough of Wandsworth receive good support from its services.”

The partnership working between the council, other statutory services and community and voluntary partners was also commended by inspectors, who noted that these relationships were “strengthening and improving”.

During the council’s last children’s children's services inspection in 2018, it was rated as "requires improvement to be good".

However, the report adds that further improvements could be made around oversight for homeless 16-and 17-year-olds, and in the management of allegations against adults working with children.

Councillor Kate Stock, cabinet member for children at Wandsworth Council, said: “This is a huge achievement for all our brilliant staff across children’s services and means we have received our highest rating from Ofsted inspectors in more than eight years.

“The drive for continued improvement reflects the commitment and quality of our staff who understand children’s needs well and ensure high-quality services are available at the right time, working together with children and their families and always making sure they have a voice. I’m proud that day in, day out children are at the heart of everything we do.”

Wandsworth Council leader, councillor Simon Hogg, added: “I’m incredibly proud that all the hard work and commitment shown by staff has resulted in this rating and I know that the department’s ambition will ensure we build on this and keep striving for excellence. Together we will continue to improve services in response to the feedback and recommendations we’ve been provided by Ofsted.”