Cllr Michelline Safi-Ngongo celebrates the outcome of the Ofsted inspection with service colleagues on the steps of Islington Town Hall

‘Transforming children’s lives’: Ofsted judgement of Children’s Services puts Islington among best in London

Islington Council’s Children’s Services has been judged ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted inspectors for the second time in a row, with inspectors finding “children’s experiences are at the heart of the local authority’s thinking” and its work is “transforming children’s lives”.

The glowing inspection finding makes Islington one of only four boroughs in London to hold the top rating under the current inspection framework for both their Children’s Services and Youth Justice Service.

Ofsted looked at young people’s experiences of the wide range of help, protection and care the council provides, and the work it’s doing to improve these services. It found them to be ‘Outstanding’ in all four areas of focus: the experiences and progress of children who need help and protection, those in care, those who have left care, and the impact leaders have on social work practice with children and families.

Cllr Michelline Safi-Ngongo, Islington’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “Ofsted’s findings are a ringing endorsement of our relentless efforts to put children first, creating a child-friendly borough that ensures they can thrive and reach their full potential, whatever their background or ability.

“As the inspectors found, this mindset runs through the entire Children’s Services team, the council and beyond. I’m incredibly proud of the dedication shown by everyone to consistently giving our children and families the high-quality support they need.

“Alongside the exemplary outcome of our Youth Justice Service inspection a few months ago, this is proof that Islington really does put its purpose into action and is helping to create a more equal borough.”

Highlights from the report’s findings include:

  • An “exceptionally wide range of effective early help services and support” on offer that makes a “tangible difference to children’s and families’ lives”;
  • Social workers have manageable caseloads, their recommendations “are well articulated and result in children receiving the right help at the right time”;
  • Parents of at-risk children are supported to improve their lives so many can safely remain at home;
  • Children at risk of exploitation, or who go missing, receive “exceptionally comprehensive and well-coordinated help” to reduce risk to them;
  • Children in care receive “an exceptionally high level of support”, including with issues such as trauma, poor mental health or substance misuse, and most “make very significant progress”;
  • Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in care are very well supported by “impressive social workers and an array of community resources”;
  • Foster carers receive comprehensive support and training from “a stable and experienced staff team”;
  • Care leavers receive “exceptional support from skilled and caring personal advisers”;
  • The “impressive” House project and Next Steps programme, which support care leavers to live independently, have “made a real difference to young people’s lives”.
  • Training and work opportunities have been offered to care leavers – 10 have so far taken apprenticeships with the council.

Lead inspector Sarah Canto found that “children benefit from being able to develop trusting relationships with practitioners whose consistent approach, support and time to help children reach their potential are transforming children’s lives”.

She added that several areas had “gone from strength to strength” since the last inspection in 2020 – when Islington was also judged ‘Outstanding’ – including the experiences and progress of children in care, increased mental health support and the response to children who are missing or at risk of exploitation.

The inspection outcome also drew praise from Yvette Stanley, Ofsted’s National Director of Regulation and Social Care, who called it “a magnificent achievement” that reflected the “continued determination” of everyone in the council. She added: “You should all be proud of the sustained positive difference you have made for the children and families of Islington.”

Ofsted’s praise comes on the heels of the inspection of the council’s Youth Justice Service, which earned a score of 34 out of 36, the best result in London and the third-highest in all of England and Wales. Islington is now one of only four boroughs in London to be rated ‘Outstanding’ for both services.

 

Notes to editor

Ofsted inspectors assessed Islington Council’s Children’s Services over two weeks in December 2024.

The full report is available on Ofsted’s website.

Contact information

If you are a member of the public with a general question about the council please view the contact information on our website or call 020 7527 2000.