This unprecedented achievement highlights a decade of exemplary service delivery and a steadfast commitment to supporting children, young people, and families across Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea, whose councils deliver children's services collectively as 'bi-borough'.
Inspectors carried out their most recent evaluations in November 2024, marking the third consecutive inspection for both councils with the highest possible rating. The reports, published in January 2025, praised the councils’ child-centred and family-focused services, recognising their ability to provide “excellent” care that makes a “significant difference” to young lives.
Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster have set a national standard, with the latter receiving an Outstanding rating across all five Ofsted judgements. Inspectors commended their dedicated social workers, strong leadership, and effective use of resources to address the challenges faced by families.
Leader of Kensington & Chelsea Council, Cllr Elizabeth Campbell, remarked:
“Ten years of Outstanding 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.”
Elizabeth Campbell, Kensington & Chelsea
The bi-borough approach has proven instrumental in achieving these results, with political and corporate leaders actively engaging with children and families to ensure their voices are reflected in the services provided. The councils’ investment in children’s services is set to continue, with Kensington & Chelsea committing an additional £4.7m in funding over the next five years.
Both councils were praised for their robust responses to children at risk of exploitation, with inspectors highlighting that “decisive interventions” have reduced risks for the vast majority of children. Social workers were commended for their “tenacious advocacy,” ensuring children’s voices are heard and their needs prioritised.
In Westminster, particular recognition was given to the “impressive” early help services and comprehensive support packages for disabled children, tailored to meet individual needs and informed by cultural sensitivity. Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Public Protection, Cllr Aicha Less, said:
“I am immensely proud of the outcome of this inspection, which reflects the inspiring dedication and commitment of our staff who show up every day to support children and families in Westminster.
It is especially motivating to see the positive impact of our services across a range of areas, from early help programmes and strong referral connections with partner agencies to the comprehensive and culturally sensitive assessment support provided for disabled children.”
Aicha Less, Westminster
Bijal Shah, a frontline worker interviewed during the inspection, shared the personal rewards of working in children’s services:
“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.”
Bijal Shah, Westminster
The councils have not rested on their laurels. Both Ofsted reports acknowledged the challenges brought by the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis, and increased demand for social care. Bi-borough recognises the importance of adapting to meet evolving needs, and have maintained high standards of care and remain committed to improving services further. Sarah Newman, Director of Bi-borough Children’s Services, commented:
“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.”
Sarah Newman, Bi-borough
These consecutive Outstanding ratings are a testament to the tireless efforts of children’s services staff and leadership in Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster. The councils’ unwavering commitment to providing safe, inclusive, and high-quality care has not only set a national benchmark but also transformed the lives of countless children and families.
With continued investment, a collaborative approach, and a determination to innovate and improve, Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea remain at the forefront of delivering exceptional children’s services. As Cllr Catherine Faulks, Lead Member for Family and Children’s Services in Kensington & Chelsea, summed up:
“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.”