Bexley’s Children’s Services is judged ‘outstanding’

Bexley’s Children’s Services department has been judged ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted inspectors for the second time in a row.

The inspection, which took place in February, found that the service had a “clear strategic direction, strong partnerships and good political and corporate support,” allowing it to make a significant difference to children’s lives.

Ofsted also commented on the council’s impressive support for children despite increasing demand following the pandemic.

The report praised the strategies in place to help children at the earliest opportunity, preventing difficulties escalating to a level where more intrusive support is required.

Cabinet member for children’s services, Councillor Philip Read, said: “This is a fantastic report. This judgement makes Bexley only the second local authority in the country to have achieved two successive findings of outstanding under the current Ofsted framework.

Importantly, it also clearly demonstrates the level of commitment our staff show to Bexley’s most vulnerable children and young people, whose appreciation of their work shines through the findings.”

You read the Ofsted report for yourself here – https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50212243

Pictured top: Staff celebrating the outstanding judgement (Picture: Brian Aldrich)