Camden's Children's Services have been lauded as 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, marking the second time the services have received the highest possible judgement under the current framework. The Camden Children, Schools and Families Scrutiny Committee convened on Monday, 23 June 2025, to discuss the Ofsted report and other key issues affecting children and families in the borough.
The Ofsted report, finalized in April 2025, highlighted that children and young people in the London Borough of Camden continue to receive excellent support.
Inspectors identified strengths in early help services, decision-making within the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), and support for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. The report also pointed to an area for improvement: timeliness of decision-making for children whose plans are not progressing within identified timescales.
The committee also addressed persistent absence in Camden schools, defined as attendance below 90%. Provisional data indicated lower absence levels compared to the previous two years, but rates remain above national averages. Particular cohorts impacted include children with special educational needs, those known to social care, and children from Asian/Bangladeshi communities. Initiatives to improve attendance, such as parental text messaging campaigns and a 'team around the school' approach through Family Hubs, are ongoing.
Other key discussions included the Annual Health Report on Children, Young People and Families for 2024/25, which summarized health outcomes and inequalities, and updates from Councillor Marcus Boyland, Cabinet Member for Best Start for Children and Families, and Councillor Sabrina Francis, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Young People and Culture. The committee also reviewed its work programme for the upcoming year, focusing on children's services, education, and family support.