Ofsted, the inspector of children’s services, has rated Havering Council’s Children’s Services ‘Good’ following their latest inspection.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Damian White, has welcomed the rating, which recognises the Council’s innovation and hard work since the previous inspection in 2016, which found that the services needed improvement.
The ‘Cocoon’, which is a hub for those leaving care, was described by Ofsted as ‘highly impressive.’ It is a one-stop shop where care leavers can access support and learning services, including education, health, housing and employment advice.
The rating recognises the hard work and dedication of Children’s Services staff.
Cllr Robert Benham, Cabinet Member for Children and Education, said:
“I’m proud Ofsted has been able to recognise the continued hard work and dedication of our social care workforce to deliver purposeful direct work with children and families. The ‘Good’ Ofsted rating also reinforces the positive work undertaken by Havering Children’s Services to co-produce new ways of working with young people.
“Since the last the inspection the service was successfully awarded £2.2 million from the Department for Education Innovation Fund. This fund has allowed us to transform services right across the team as well as supporting an enhanced foster carer programme which supports some of the borough’s most vulnerable children.
“Being able to provide positive and effective support for children in need and in care, helps to ensure their outcomes improve as they transition to independence.”