The report, which comes after an inspection in June, praised the Council’s clear and evidenced commitment to listening to the voices of children and young people.
This is the most recent Ofsted inspection of Local Authority Children’s Services (ILACS), with the last taking place in 2019 – where services were rated ‘good.’
Our hardworking teams support children in foster care, care experienced young people, unaccompanied minors, and families with children who need extra support at home.
Inspectors noted how strong and innovative partnership working with agencies across the borough was ‘making a difference to children and young people’s lives’.
Political and corporate leaders were praised for working ‘tirelessly with partners to improve children’s lives’ and for their ‘unapologetic’ ambition as corporate parents.
Children in care and care leavers were said to receive an ‘outstanding’ service, ensuring that they ‘make impressive progress and many thrive once in care.’
Our collective work to support mental health and wellbeing – of both children and staff was commended, as was the pioneering decision to fund eight wellbeing hubs in schools.
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The report also praised the ‘impressive’ children and young people who have been instrumental in driving progress forward and holding the Council to account.
Councillor Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “This outstanding Ofsted result is a significant achievement and I’m tremendously proud of our staff, partners and children, who have not only sustained the good practices, but been relentless in driving further progress and improvements.
“This result does not just belong to us. It is a celebration of truly collaborative partnership working. We want to thank our colleagues across the borough – those in local health agencies, schools, children’s centres, youth services, our foster carers and the police – to name but a few – without whom this result would not have been possible.”
Florence Kroll, Director of Children’s Services at the Royal Borough of Greenwich said: “An outstanding Ofsted judgement is a fantastic achievement for everyone working in Royal Greenwich children’s services, our partners, our foster carers and our children. It is validation of the commitment, hard work and dedication to the values we hold that place children at the heart of everything we do. I want to thank every person who has contributed to this success.
“Whilst the report is fantastic, we are not complacent and will continue working to strive for excellence in all that we do, to improve the lives of vulnerable children.”
Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “This result is a fantastic credit to Royal Greenwich and demonstrates our tireless work to deliver the best outcomes for our children and young people. From opening eight much-needed wellbeing hubs to recruiting more foster carers and working closely with partners to safeguard our children, we want every young person to reach their full potential in a safe, protective, and loving environment. Every member of staff, from across the council and beyond, is dedicated to that goal.”
