The City of London Corporation received an ‘outstanding’ rating following a previous inspection in November 2024
The education watchdog has praised the City of London Corporation for delivering “sustained and improved” children’s services since its last inspection two years ago. Ofsted rated the Corporation’s services as ‘outstanding’ in November 2024, in a report highlighting the “significant difference” they are making to young people’s lives.
Following a further two visits in June this year His Majesty’s Inspector Sally Sinclair has written to the Corporation, noting the “high quality help and support” and “committed leadership” at the authority. Ms Sinclair wrote safeguarding concerns are skilfully balanced by practitioners alongside longer-term planning, with a focus on children’s safety and wellbeing.
Assessments are also completed in a timely manner and are described as “comprehensive and analytical”.
The Corporation’s management comes in for particular acclaim, with Ms Sinclair writing: “Leaders have created a positive learning culture in which staff feel valued, listened to and supported to develop professionally. Strong cross-service collaboration enables flexible, coordinated responses to need.
“Practitioners describe leaders as visible, accessible and committed to improvement. Workforce stability, manageable caseloads and high levels of professional satisfaction contribute to consistent practice and positive experiences for children and families.”
The report also notes how at the last inspection one of the areas flagged as needing improvement was the Corporation’s work addressing domestic abuse and children at risk of exploitation.
“This visit found strengthened practice and increased practitioner confidence in these areas,” Ms Sinclair wrote.
“Practitioners demonstrate a sound understanding of the impact of domestic abuse, exploitation and youth violence and they identify, assess and respond to risk appropriately. Investment in workforce development has supported these improvements.”
In her conclusion Ms Sinclair wrote the services are “impactful, child-focused and responsive”.
“Children benefit from practitioners who understand risk, value relationships and work persistently to secure the right support. Leaders have successfully embedded a culture of learning, reflection and continuous improvement. The City of London demonstrates strong practice, effective oversight and a clear commitment to improving outcomes for children.”
Deputy Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Community and Children’s Services Committee, Common Councillor Steve Goodman, said: “We are delighted Ofsted has recognised the high-quality support our children’s services teams continue to provide.
“Most importantly, inspectors found children and families get the help they need when they need it, with support tailored to their individual circumstances.
“It’s particularly encouraging to see Ofsted recognise the progress we’ve made in areas previously identified for improvement, showing our commitment to continually learning and improving to deliver the best for children and young people.”
In December last year inspectors praised services for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) in the City of London.
In a joint paper the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Ofsted noted the “positive experiences and outcomes” for children and young people in the Square Mile.
The local area partnership commissioning and providing the services is the responsibility of the City of London Corporation and the NHS North East London Integrated Care Board (ICB).
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