The Ofsted inspection, carried out in March, awarded Camden the highest possible rating of ‘outstanding’ for overall effectiveness
Camden Council has once again secured its place among the top-performing local authorities in the country, with its Children’s Services rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted for the second time. The latest inspection reaffirms Camden’s position as a national leader in children’s social care, recognising its deep-rooted commitment to safeguarding, early intervention, and nurturing the potential of every child.
The Ofsted inspection, carried out in March, awarded Camden the highest possible rating of ‘outstanding’ for overall effectiveness. Impressively, each of the four assessed areas—including the newly introduced category, “experiences and progress of care leavers”—also received individual ‘outstanding’ scores. The rigorous review involved case file analysis, detailed data assessments, and conversations with social workers, partners, children, and families.
Inspectors praised Camden’s steadfast approach to early help services, which they said successfully identify and tackle issues before they escalate. The report described the council’s children’s social care as “innovative and ambitious”, with a culture that centres on relational practice and anti-racist values. Ofsted highlighted that children in care continue to thrive thanks to the dedicated and consistent work of professionals at all levels.
The report further noted that care leavers benefit from “outstanding services” and many are making “exceptional progress”. Inspectors cited Camden’s wide-ranging and multidimensional projects as examples of forward-thinking support, tailored to meet the evolving needs of young people. From tackling domestic abuse and mental health challenges to responding effectively to risks outside the home, Camden’s holistic approach to safeguarding has drawn national recognition.
Councillor Richard Olszewski, Leader of Camden Council, celebrated the achievement, saying: “Getting an ‘outstanding’ rating for a second time is fantastic news. It is a testament to the remarkable skill, care, and compassion our Children’s Services staff demonstrate daily. We want to see all our children reach their full potential and get the best possible start in life, and we welcome Ofsted’s recognition of our significant and long-standing investments in working towards this. A huge thank you to every single member of the team, and to our partners, for their unwavering commitment.”
Councillor Marcus Boyland, Cabinet Member for Best Start for Children and Families, echoed the sentiment. “In Camden, we have long recognised the power of early intervention and prevention to keep families together and reduce the need for children to enter care. This Ofsted rating validates our hard work in caring for and protecting children. A huge congratulations to all the team. We will continue to work diligently, day and night, to maintain and further improve our outstanding Children’s Services, ensuring that children and young people are at the heart of everything we do.”
The report also highlighted how Camden’s services ensure that children’s voices shape the design and delivery of care. Strong, trusting relationships between social workers, children, and families were found to be a cornerstone of Camden’s success, alongside leadership described as “ambitious community parents for all Camden children”.
Camden remains the only local authority in England to hold simultaneous ‘outstanding’ ratings from Ofsted for Children’s Services and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for Adult Social Care. The council’s leadership has reaffirmed its commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring that children and families across the borough remain supported, safe, and empowered.
As the borough celebrates this rare and prestigious accolade, Camden continues to set the benchmark for excellence in children’s social care—not only meeting expectations but raising them for others to follow.
