Bexley’s Children’s Services have been judged ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted inspectors for the second time in a row.
The inspection, which took place in February, found that the service had a “clear strategic direction, strong partnerships and good political and corporate support” allowing it to make a significant difference to children’s lives.
Ofsted also commented on the Council’s impressive support for children despite increasing demand following the pandemic.
The report praised the strategies in place to help children at the earliest opportunity, preventing difficulties escalating to a level where more intrusive support is required.
Inspectors found that the service had a well-trained workforce that is improving the lives of children and families and that frontline workers feel safe and supported because of the quality of management oversight and decision-making.
Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, CIlr Philip Read said:
This is a fantastic report. This judgement makes Bexley only the second local authority in the country to have achieved two successive findings of outstanding under the current Ofsted framework!
Importantly, it also clearly demonstrates the level of commitment our staff show to Bexley’s most vulnerable children and young people, whose appreciation of their work shines through the findings.
The report confirms what we already knew about our brilliant children’s services teams.”
Director of Children’s Services, Stephen Kitchman said:
This success has been the result of a real team effort. Our brilliant Children’s Services work together to provide the best possible service for our children and young people. I’d like to thank them all for their continued hard work and dedication to Bexley families.”
Ofsted’s National Director for Social Care, Yvette Stanley said –
This second outstanding report for Bexley children’s services is a testament to the high-quality care leaders, staff, partners and carers are providing for vulnerable children and young people.
“Everyone involved should be very proud of this achievement.”