Children's Services
Councils are currently discussing financial pressures on children's services, while Wandsworth's services received an 'outstanding' Ofsted rating.
Wandsworth's children's services were rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted in September 2026, with inspectors highlighting highly responsive social work, skilled practitioners, and strong leadership. Concurrently, Hammersmith and Fulham Council is facing a projected £14.3 million overspend for the 2026/27 financial year, partly attributed to increased demand and rising costs in children's services, as reported to the Cabinet in September 2026.
Merton Council's children's services are under scrutiny due to a significant increase in formal complaints and delayed responses, with 44 stage 1 complaints logged in 2025/26, a report noted in September 2026. Separately, Croydon Council's Scrutiny Children & Young People Sub-Committee reviewed the transformation of its Children, Young People and Education Directorate in July 2026, noting significant demand pressures and a rapid increase in Education, Health and Care Plans.
Several other councils have reported substantial overspends in children's services in 2026. Bexley's Children's Services faced a projected £2.234 million overspend in March 2026, while Hillingdon Council's children's services contributed £6.1 million to a larger budget overspend in March 2026. Richmond upon Thames also projected a £1.4 million overspend in February 2026, primarily due to rising costs of placing children in care.
Key facts
- Wandsworth's children's services were rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted in September 2026. Source
- Hammersmith and Fulham Council faces a projected £14.3 million overspend for 2026/27, partly due to children's services. Source
- Merton Council's children's services logged 44 formal stage 1 complaints in 2025/26, up from 29 the previous year. Source
- Bexley's Children's Services faced a projected overspend of £2.234 million in March 2026. Source
- Hillingdon Council's children's services contributed £6.1 million to a £36.3 million budget overspend in March 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.