Council breaks record with third outstanding rating for children’s service

Kensington and Chelsea council’s children’s services has become the first in the country to receive three consecutive outstanding ratings.

Following an inspection in November 2024, Ofsted concluded that young people in the west London borough receive “excellent” services that make a “significant difference” to their lives.  

The outstanding mark follows top ratings previously handed out to the council in 2015 and 2019.

Leader of Kensington and Chelsea council, cllr Elizabeth Campbell, said: “Ten years of outstanding work is not only a national first, it sets a new standard for this council.  

“Life is more challenging than ever for young people growing up in London. It feels like every week there’s another tragic headline of a young life lost or ruined by crime.

“It is against this backdrop that our tremendous teams work tirelessly to give young people the best possible start in life, even when the odds seem stacked against them.”  

The report praised the council’s response to children at risk of exploitation, with inspectors noting decisive interventions which “reduce risk for the vast majority of children”.

Social workers in the borough were described as “tenacious advocates” for their children in their care as well as an “exemplary level of support” for care leavers.

Bijal Shah, a front-line worker who was interviewed by Ofsted as part of the inspection, said: “When you get a message from a young person, they reach out to you to say thank you for that help, or Happy Christmas or Happy New Year, it makes you feel you’re really making a difference, which is what it’s all about.

“I’m so proud to have been part of this inspection and a part of this team.” 

Inspectors found that Kensington and Chelsea council had invested in services and implemented “a coherent strategy” to help children at the “earliest opportunity”.  

Sarah Newman, director of bi-borough children’s services, said: “Since the pandemic, the number of children and families needing the support of social care has increased. 

“Despite this, teams across Children’s Services have adapted and not faltered on their level of quality and care. We can’t do what we do by working in isolation, so it’s important to recognise the collaboration and contribution of other services; our fantastic schools and the voluntary and community sector.”  

Following the recent inspection, Kensington and Chelsea council has announced its investment into the service will be bolstered later this year by a £4.7million pot of funding to be distributed over the next five years.

 Lead member for family and children’s services, cllr Catherine Faulks, said: “This result will be a huge boost and credit to all those staff who are so dedicated to doing the best for children in our borough. 

“My thanks and admiration go out to them all.”   

Pictured top: Kensington and Chelsea council’s children’s services has become the first in the country to receive three consecutive outstanding ratings (Picture: Kensington and Chelsea council)