The Ofsted report highlighted the council’s strong leadership, effective partnerships, and highly skilled workforce, all contributing to a high standard of care for children and families in the borough.
Bexley’s Children’s Services have once again received high praise following a focused visit by Ofsted inspectors in February this year. The inspection examined services for children in need, those under child protection plans, and support for young people at risk of homelessness or exploitation.
The report highlighted the council’s strong leadership, effective partnerships, and highly skilled workforce, all contributing to a high standard of care for children and families in the borough.
Chris Taylor, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, acknowledged that there is always room for growth and reaffirmed the council’s focus on ensuring that every child in Bexley receives the best possible support and opportunities to thrive.
Ofsted commended Bexley for its unwavering commitment to delivering excellent services. The report noted the steadfast dedication of political, corporate, and senior leaders to improving outcomes for children and families.
Inspectors also recognised the strength of multi-agency collaboration, ensuring that children’s needs are met through coordinated and responsive action.
The council’s robust performance management system was another key highlight, giving leaders a clear understanding of the impact of services and allowing them to make informed decisions. In particular, support for children at risk of homelessness was praised for its thorough assessments and the comprehensive range of accommodation options available.
The council’s approach to tackling child exploitation also received positive feedback, with inspectors noting clear communication systems and effective intervention strategies that help protect vulnerable young people.
Despite these successes, the report identified areas requiring further improvement. Ofsted recommended a more timely response for children subject to repeat child protection plans and called for more consistency in written documentation regarding young people’s rights and entitlements.
These refinements, the report suggested, would further enhance the already strong service provision.
Cllr Chris Taylor, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, expressed pride in the dedication of the teams working across the borough. He highlighted their unwavering commitment to improving the lives of young people and welcomed Ofsted’s recognition of their strengths.
However, he acknowledged that there is always room for growth and reaffirmed the council’s focus on ensuring that every child in Bexley receives the best possible support and opportunities to thrive.
The latest Ofsted visit reaffirms Bexley’s reputation for excellence in Children’s Services, reinforcing the borough’s position as a leader in delivering effective, compassionate, and responsive support for its most vulnerable residents.
