Child services in Lewisham given clean bill of health

Children’s services in Lewisham have been judged as good by Ofsted.

Inspectors have praised a number of significant improvements across the service since it was judged as requiring improvement – both in 2019 and in the previous inspection in 2015.  

Ofsted’s report was published today following a full inspection that took place over three weeks in December last year.

In their report, inspectors highlighted areas of significant improvement in leadership and the quality of support provided to families, children and young people since the previous full inspection.

Ofsted judged the service as good across all five inspection criteria: Overall effectiveness, the impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families, the experiences and progress of children who need help and protection, the experiences and progress of children in care and the experiences and progress of care leavers.

Ofsted said: “The pace of change has been purposeful and the areas identified for improvement at previous inspections have been prioritised, leading to better outcomes for children. Staff describe leaders as approachable, visible and supportive.” 

The watchdog also recognised that “social workers carefully consider children’s needs, including their cultural and identity needs, when seeking an appropriate foster home”.

Councillor Chris Barnham, cabinet member for children and young people at Lewisham council, said: “This result is a great achievement for our children, young people, parents and carers in Lewisham and a huge credit to our staff and the senior leadership team who have worked incredibly hard since the last inspection to improve the services.” 

“The inspection outcome in 2019 gave the senior leadership team and the staff in children’s services the determination to do better for our children and young people.”

Pictured top: Staff in the Children and Young People Directorate at Lewisham council outside the civic suite (Picture: Lewisham council)