Tower Hamlets Children’s Services has been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ rating by Ofsted, a result that reflects the council’s innovative, progressive, and ambitious work to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
This achievement marks an incredible transformation for the borough, which was rated 'Inadequate' in 2017.
Ofsted inspectors, in their report published on 13 January 2025, praised the council's unwavering commitment to supporting children and families, noting that children in Tower Hamlets "receive timely and effective help" and that staff “are ambitious for children, encouraging them to reach their full potential. As a result, children receive excellent support.”
This exceptional rating places Tower Hamlets among the top 20% of local authorities in the country. Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, reflected on the achievement:
“We are absolutely thrilled with this Outstanding Ofsted result for our services to children and families. This achievement is a testament to the compassion and hard work of our staff, who go above and beyond every day to support children and families in our community. It reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting children and young people to get the best possible start in life and protecting those who are most vulnerable.”
Lutfur Rahman, Tower Hamlets
A Learning Academy driving excellence
Tower Hamlets' innovative Learning Academy has played a pivotal role in the borough's journey to Outstanding. Established in 2018, the Academy brought together five key workstreams into a singular operational unit, enabling a relational culture that places children, families, and social workers at the heart of its practice. This "C Change Approach/People First" ethos has been instrumental in creating a stable, skilled workforce that is aspirational for children and families, a success acknowledged by both Ofsted and the Department for Education as a national innovation.
Ofsted’s report praised the borough's commitment to fostering a culture of learning and innovation, noting that workers “develop their practice in a place of innovation, where everyone has a voice and contributes to the development of the service.” The Learning Academy is a key driver behind this, offering bespoke coaching, reflective supervision, and career development opportunities for staff. It ensures that Tower Hamlets is not only a place for outstanding practice but also an employer of choice for social workers.
Visionary leadership and a culture of compassion
The Ofsted report highlighted the "strong, visionary leadership" within Tower Hamlets, which has created a culture of high support and high challenge for its workforce. Senior leaders demonstrate deep commitment and insight into the needs of children and families, with strategies underpinned by political and financial investment.
Tower Hamlets has established a relational culture where compassion and understanding guide social work practice. Cllr Maium Talukdar, the borough's Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth, and Lifelong Learning, noted the importance of everybody working together:
“Our teams have shown incredible resilience and innovation, but this result reflects the dedication of everyone in our community who helps to build a brighter future for children in Tower Hamlets – from our foster carers to our family group experts and all of our partners who have helped us on our journey to Outstanding.”
Maium Talukdar, Tower Hamlets
Exceptional support for children and families
Ofsted commended the borough's approach to supporting children, including its emphasis on helping children remain within their own families wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so. Inspectors highlighted the outstanding care provided to care leavers, who benefit from "high-quality support and a wealth of services" tailored to their needs. The council’s decision to make ‘care-experienced’ a protected characteristic in all council decisions was also noted as a significant step towards reducing stigma and improving outcomes for young people.
The borough’s innovative and culturally responsive services were also praised, with Ofsted citing creative initiatives such as "female Muslim football" and tailored housing solutions for foster carers. These projects reflect the council’s deep understanding of its diverse community and its determination to deliver services that meet the unique needs of its residents.
A supportive place to work
Tower Hamlets is not only a borough where children thrive but also a place where social workers are supported to succeed. The council offers a generous package for staff, including:
- A competitive remuneration package and Local Government Pension Scheme
- Access to the Learning Academy for bespoke coaching, reflective supervision, and career development
- Manageable caseloads and a culture of high support and challenge
- Agile and flexible working options, as well as discounted gym memberships and wellness initiatives
- Generous annual leave and wellbeing services
Social workers are at the core of Tower Hamlets’ work with children and families, with an approach that prioritises building relationships and strengthening families. The borough’s Outstanding Ofsted rating is a testament to its innovative approaches, visionary leadership, and compassionate workforce. Explore opportunities to join an 'Outstanding' team!