Ofsted's report highlights the unique strengths and effectiveness of City's approach in supporting children and families, as well as the exceptional leadership that drives these services.
His Majesty's Inspector, Christine Kennet, commended the City Corporation for delivering high-quality services that make a significant difference to the lives of children living or arriving in the smallest of London's Local Authorities.
"Children living or arriving in the City of London receive excellent services that are making a significant difference to their lives." Ofsted
"Children living or arriving in the City of London receive excellent services that are making a significant difference to their lives."
Ofsted
Ofsted praised the City Corporation’s senior leadership team for its outstanding commitment to championing children and young people, ensuring that they are supported to reach their full potential from childhood through to adulthood.
The City Corporation is recognised in the report for maintaining a consistent and skilled workforce, which allows children to build trusting relationships with their social workers. Their systemic practice model, particularly in providing training and focusing on equity and equality, was also lauded.
The inspection report further highlights City of London’s effective partnership working, which demonstrably enhances support for children and families. This is particularly important for the City’s unique demographic, where many children in care are unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. The report also underscores the value of the City’s political structure.
"Children experience a stable, committed and skilled workforce, often keeping the same social worker throughout their journey, allowing consistent and trusting relationships to develop. Social workers, the virtual school and leaders share high aspirations for children and young people. Social workers enjoy excellent training in systemic practice, with a strong focus on equity and equality. This training, combined with moderate caseloads and regular, reflective supervision, allows impressive social work practice to flourish." Ofsted
"Children experience a stable, committed and skilled workforce, often keeping the same social worker throughout their journey, allowing consistent and trusting relationships to develop. Social workers, the virtual school and leaders share high aspirations for children and young people. Social workers enjoy excellent training in systemic practice, with a strong focus on equity and equality. This training, combined with moderate caseloads and regular, reflective supervision, allows impressive social work practice to flourish."
The final verdict from Ofsted across their five key criteria was:
Chris Hayward, Chair of City's Policy and Resources Committee, expressed immense pride in the City Corporation's achievements.
“An Outstanding Ofsted rating is a tremendous achievement for our children's services, reflecting the dedication, expertise, and compassion of our entire team." "We are committed to providing the highest standard of care and support for children and families, and this recognition reaffirms the City of London Corporation’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding and uplifting young lives in our community." "We will continue building on this success to ensure every child receives the care and guidance they need to flourish.” Chris Hayward, City of London
“An Outstanding Ofsted rating is a tremendous achievement for our children's services, reflecting the dedication, expertise, and compassion of our entire team."
"We are committed to providing the highest standard of care and support for children and families, and this recognition reaffirms the City of London Corporation’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding and uplifting young lives in our community."
"We will continue building on this success to ensure every child receives the care and guidance they need to flourish.”
Chris Hayward, City of London
Our recent interview with Rachel Talmage, Head of Children’s Social Care and Early Help at the City Corporation, provides further insight into social work in London’s smallest local authority, the benefits of a close-knit team, and how the Square Mile’s systemic practice approach fosters positive outcomes.
City of London continue to set the standard for excellence through focusing on improving the lives of the children, young people, and families they serve. Find out more about working in London's smallest local authority.