Kensington and Chelsea Council’s Children’s Services has become the first in the country to receive three consecutive Outstanding ratings, marking 10 years of Outstanding
Kensington and Chelsea Council has made history by securing a third consecutive “Outstanding” rating for its Children’s Services, marking a national first for the borough. This exceptional achievement is shared with Westminster, which jointly provides Children’s Services across the bi-borough area. The assessment, conducted in November 2024, reaffirms the council’s commitment to the wellbeing of young people, with inspectors praising a range of efforts that make a tangible difference in children’s lives.
In a first for the borough, inspectors recognized the council’s ability to continually invest in and deliver high-quality services that support children and families from the earliest stages. The positive impact of this strategy has been evident over time, and the rating reflects a strong, sustained performance that stands as a model for others in the sector.
The inspection report outlined several standout achievements, particularly in the areas of child protection and support for young people facing significant challenges. The inspectors commended the council’s swift and decisive actions in addressing risks of exploitation, noting that interventions have substantially reduced harm for the vast majority of vulnerable children.
“The services provided are not only effective in preventing harm but also play a key role in helping children who need protection,” said the lead inspector. “Children and families are receiving the right help at the right time, which is critical in ensuring long-term outcomes for young people.”
Among the highlights was the recognition of the council’s experienced and committed social workers, who are seen as tenacious advocates for the children they serve. Social workers were praised for their unwavering dedication, often going above and beyond to ensure children’s voices are heard and their needs are met. This professional excellence has been fundamental in creating an environment where young people can thrive, even in challenging circumstances.
In addition, the report highlighted the “exemplary level of support” provided to care leavers. The council’s approach to these young people goes beyond basic assistance, fostering positive, trusting, and stable relationships with social workers that help ensure smooth transitions into adulthood. Many care leavers reported feeling supported and empowered, with opportunities for continued guidance and connection with their social workers.
Building on these achievements, Kensington and Chelsea Council is further bolstering its commitment to young people through a significant financial investment. A £4.7 million funding package, due to be rolled out later this year, will enable local providers to enhance and expand services across the borough. This funding is part of a longer-term plan to strengthen support structures and create additional opportunities for young people, ensuring they continue to have the resources and guidance necessary for their development and success.
Elizabeth Campbell, Leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, expressed immense pride in the achievement, noting the national significance of the third consecutive “Outstanding” rating. She highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by young people in London, where rising concerns over crime and societal pressures have made life more difficult for many. Against this backdrop, she emphasized that the borough’s teams work tirelessly to provide a safe, supportive environment for young people, offering them the best possible chance to succeed.
“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,” said Cllr Campbell. “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.”
Catherine Faulks, Lead Member for Family and Children’s Services, described the achievement as “unprecedented” and highlighted the ongoing dedication of the staff within the borough’s Children’s Services. She stressed that achieving “Outstanding” on three consecutive inspections provides external validation of the hard work that goes into ensuring the safety, stability, and future success of children in Kensington and Chelsea. “This result is 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,” Faulks remarked.
Bijal Shah, a front-line worker interviewed as part of the inspection, reflected on the emotional reward of seeing young people flourish thanks to the services provided. “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,” Shah shared.
Sarah Newman, Director of Bi-borough Children’s Services, acknowledged the increased demand for services following the pandemic but also emphasized the remarkable ability of the teams to adapt and continue providing high-quality care. “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 recognize the collaboration and contribution of other services; our fantastic schools and the voluntary and community sector,” Newman explained.
The report also recognized the strong collaboration between Children’s Services and local schools, the voluntary sector, and community organizations, all of which play a vital role in supporting children and families. This holistic approach ensures that young people in Kensington and Chelsea receive well-rounded support, addressing not just their immediate needs but also their long-term development.
This historic third consecutive “Outstanding” rating for Kensington and Chelsea is a testament to the effectiveness of the borough’s strategy and the dedication of its teams. The recognition reflects the council’s commitment to excellence in children’s services and its determination to ensure that every child and young person has the best possible start in life, regardless of the challenges they may face. As the borough looks to the future, this achievement provides a strong foundation for continued success in supporting its young people and ensuring they have the resources, care, and opportunities they need to thrive.
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