This rating underscores the dedication of the social workers and children’s services staff within the borough, with Ofsted’s report praised Greenwich’s clear and evidenced commitment to listening to the voices of children and young people.
The borough has improved upon 2019’s ‘Good’ rating, with inspectors specifically highlighting the strength and innovation of partnership working between the council and various agencies across the borough, noting that they are making a tangible difference to the lives of Greenwich’s children and young people.
“Highly effective partnership working with housing colleagues, schools, youth services and children’s centres, as well as mental and physical health services, helps children and their families receive the right support at the right time. Collaborative multiagency working is making a difference to children and young people’s lives and helps to limit the demand for more intensive statutory provision.” Ofsted
“Highly effective partnership working with housing colleagues, schools, youth services and children’s centres, as well as mental and physical health services, helps children and their families receive the right support at the right time. Collaborative multiagency working is making a difference to children and young people’s lives and helps to limit the demand for more intensive statutory provision.”
Ofsted
Political and corporate leaders were praised for working ‘tirelessly with partners to improve children’s lives’ and for their ‘unapologetic’ ambition as corporate parents. Ofsted noted that children in care and care leavers in Greenwich receive an ‘outstanding’ service, ensuring that they ‘make impressive progress and many thrive once in care'.
Greenwich’s proactive approach to mental health and wellbeing – amongst both staff and service users - was recognised, whilst the council’s pioneering decision to fund eight wellbeing hubs in schools was seen as a forward-thinking and innovative initiative.
Ofsted’s report also praised the impressive contributions of children and young people, who have been instrumental in driving progress and holding the council accountable. Councillor Adel Khaireh, Greenwich’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, proudly celebrated the achievement.
“This result does not just belong to us. It is a celebration of truly collaborative partnership working. We want to thank our colleagues across the borough: those in local health agencies, schools, children’s centres, youth services, our foster carers, and the police – to name but a few – without whom this result would not have been possible.” Adel Khaireh, Royal Borough of Greenwich
“This result does not just belong to us. It is a celebration of truly collaborative partnership working. We want to thank our colleagues across the borough: those in local health agencies, schools, children’s centres, youth services, our foster carers, and the police – to name but a few – without whom this result would not have been possible.”
Adel Khaireh, Royal Borough of Greenwich
The impact that Greenwich’s leadership has on social work practice, one of Ofsted’s key criteria, was judged to be ‘Outstanding’. Florence Kroll, the Director of Children's Services at the Royal Borough of Greenwich, stressed the importance of all stakeholders pulling in the right direction. She noted that the council’s continued effort improve outcomes for children will not slow down.
“An outstanding Ofsted judgement is a fantastic achievement for everyone working in Royal Greenwich children’s services, our partners, our foster carers, and our children. It validates our commitment, hard work, and dedication to placing children at the heart of everything we do. While the report is fantastic, we are not complacent and will continue striving for excellence in all that we do to improve the lives of vulnerable children.” Florence Kroll, Royal Borough of Greenwich
“An outstanding Ofsted judgement is a fantastic achievement for everyone working in Royal Greenwich children’s services, our partners, our foster carers, and our children. It validates our commitment, hard work, and dedication to placing children at the heart of everything we do. While the report is fantastic, we are not complacent and will continue striving for excellence in all that we do to improve the lives of vulnerable children.”
Florence Kroll, Royal Borough of Greenwich
For social workers, working in an Ofsted ‘outstanding’ rated organisation offers numerous benefits. Such an environment fosters professional growth and provides assurance of a well-supported infrastructure. Being part of a high-achieving team enhances career prospects and job satisfaction: your efforts will be recognised.
The full Ofsted report is available here for anyone interested in understanding the depth of Greenwich's achievements. For passionate social workers that are keen to contribute to this outstanding team, there are numerous roles available, offering excellent benefits and the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people in the borough. View the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s current opportunities here.