Greenwich’s services for children and families has been awarded an “Outstanding” rating by Ofsted.

The rating follows an inspection in June, five years since the previous inspection in 2019 where the team was rated “Good.”

The team's work supports children in foster care, experienced young people, unaccompanied minors, and families with children in need of further home support.

Inspectors noted that the “strong and innovative” partnership working with agencies across the borough was "making a difference to children and young people’s lives".

In the report, political and corporate leaders were praised for working "tirelessly with partners to improve children’s lives" and for their "unapologetic" ambition as corporate parents.

Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “This result is a fantastic credit to Royal Greenwich and demonstrates our tireless work to deliver the best outcomes for our children and young people.

“From opening eight much-needed wellbeing hubs to recruiting more foster carers, and working closely with partners to safeguard our children, we want every young person to reach their full potential in a safe, protective, and loving environment. Every member of staff, from across the council and beyond, is dedicated to that goal.”

Services for children in care and care leavers was also mentioned as offering an “outstanding” service helping them to “make progress” in the care system.

The report also praised the ‘impressive’ children and young people whose contribution has “held the council to account” and further advanced the services the local authority provide.

Florence Kroll, Director of Children's Services at the Royal Borough of Greenwich said: "An outstanding Ofsted judgement is a fantastic achievement for everyone working in Royal Greenwich children’s services, our partners, our foster carers and our children. It is validation of the commitment, hard work and dedication to the values we hold that place children at the heart of everything we do. I want to thank every person who has contributed to this success.

"Whilst the report is fantastic, we are not complacent and will continue working to strive for excellence in all that we do, to improve the lives of vulnerable children."