Ofsted’s evaluation focused on the experiences of children and young people, specifically how they are supported through help, protection, and care provided by council staff
Westminster City Council’s Children’s Services have achieved an outstanding rating from Ofsted for the third consecutive time, a remarkable accomplishment that reflects the council’s unwavering commitment to providing high-quality, child-centered, and family-focused services.
The Ofsted inspection, conducted in November 2024, awarded the highest grade across all five key judgment areas, affirming the effectiveness of the council’s approach to child welfare. This recognition places Westminster and its partner authority, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, at the forefront of child services in the UK, making them the first two local authorities to achieve an “outstanding” rating for three consecutive inspections over the span of a decade.
Ofsted’s evaluation focused on the experiences of children and young people, specifically how they are supported through help, protection, and care provided by council staff. The inspection also assessed the actions of local leaders in driving improvements within these services.
Strengths Highlighted by Ofsted
The inspection report highlighted several notable strengths within Westminster’s Children’s Services. Foremost among these were the dedication of social workers who prioritize the views and aspirations of children in shaping their practice. Social workers were commended for their swift responses to risks faced by children, particularly in cases involving domestic abuse. The report lauded their tireless efforts to keep children safe within their families whenever possible.
When children are placed into the care of the council, Ofsted praised the excellent support provided by social workers who demonstrate a deep understanding of each child’s needs. The collaborative approach between social workers and children is designed to ensure the best possible outcomes, with a focus on helping children progress in all aspects of life.
The report also emphasized the high standard of care provided for disabled children, noting timely assessments and the creation of tailored support packages that address both the children’s needs and their families’ unique challenges. The council’s staff were particularly praised for their efforts to ensure that disabled children and their families have access to advocacy services.
Effective Leadership and Strong Community Support
A key factor behind Westminster’s success, according to Ofsted, is the robust support from political and corporate leadership. Politicians and senior leaders regularly engage with children, families, and partners to ensure that their perspectives are incorporated into service design and delivery. This ongoing collaboration with stakeholders ensures that the services meet the evolving needs of Westminster’s diverse community.
Senior managers and social workers were also acknowledged for their deep understanding of the culturally rich community of Westminster, with many staff having worked in the area for years. This continuity helps to ensure that services remain relevant and effective in supporting families from diverse backgrounds.
In addition, Ofsted recognized the positive impact of sustained investment in the council’s services, including the development of highly effective early help services. These services provide crucial support to families before issues escalate into more complex cases, reducing the need for intervention by statutory social work teams.
Addressing Rising Demand and New Challenges
Despite these successes, the report also acknowledged the increasing pressures faced by social services in Westminster. The demand for social care has risen sharply in recent years due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. Social workers are now often tasked with helping families navigate a range of complex issues, including school attendance, mental health, well-being, and domestic abuse.
The inspection report pointed out that while tragic incidents highlight the ongoing challenges faced by communities, Westminster’s Children’s Services continue to provide critical care and support to families in need.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
While the council is proud of its achievements, it remains committed to further improvement. The council acknowledges that there is always room for growth and is determined to continue enhancing the services it provides. Ensuring that services are adaptable to meet the changing needs of Westminster’s children and families remains a top priority.
Aicha Less, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Public Protection, expressed her pride in the council’s success. “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,” she said. “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.”
She continued, “Receiving an ‘Outstanding’ result for the third consecutive time, spanning 10 years, is an incredible achievement for the council, although we recognize that pressures on social care services have increased significantly in recent years due to the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. 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.”
Less also emphasized the council’s commitment to working with the community and local partners to continuously improve. “We understand the importance of adapting to evolving needs and challenges and can assure you that we will continue to work with the community and local partners to identify how we can improve and achieve better outcomes for children and families in Westminster. We remain deeply committed to delivering family-focused services that are not only responsive to the needs of children and young people but are also informed by their voices and experiences.”
With its third consecutive outstanding rating, Westminster City Council’s Children’s Services are recognized as a model of excellence in supporting children, families, and vulnerable individuals in the community. However, the council’s leaders are determined to keep pushing for improvements, ensuring that these services remain responsive and effective in addressing the ever-changing challenges faced by families today.
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