Organisation

Ofsted

31 stories · discussed at 16 council meetings · 19 councils

Councils are currently addressing Ofsted inspection findings across children's services, with some implementing improvement plans for SEND and care leaver support, while others achieve high ratings.

Sutton's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services face priority action following a critical Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC) review in September 2026, which identified an "Area for Priority Action" regarding dysphagia pathways. Wandsworth's children's services were rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted in September 2026, while Lambeth's Children's Services achieved a 'Good' rating in September 2026, with care leavers specifically rated 'Outstanding'. Hackney's services for care leavers were praised by Ofsted in September 2026, noting strengthened services.

Harrow Council revamped its local offer for care leavers in July 2026, informed by Ofsted findings, following an 'inadequate' judgment for care leaver support in January 2026. Bexley's SEND reforms showed progress in July 2026, but challenges persist in embedding 'Preparation for Adulthood'. Redbridge Council is implementing a comprehensive SEND improvement plan, reviewed in March 2026, in response to structural issues identified by Ofsted.

Newham Council approved plans in September 2026 to open two new children's homes for young people with complex mental health needs. Hounslow Council's Cabinet approved extending the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) Programme until October 2026, as reported in March 2026. No future meetings are scheduled in the provided material where this topic is on the agenda.

Key facts

  1. Sutton's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services face priority action following a critical Ofsted and CQC review in September 2026. Source
  2. Newham Council approved plans in September 2026 to open two new children's homes for up to eight young people with complex mental health needs. Source
  3. Wandsworth's children's services were rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted in all areas in September 2026. Source
  4. Lambeth's Children's Services were rated 'Good' by Ofsted in September 2026, with care leavers specifically rated 'Outstanding'. Source
  5. Harrow Council revamped its local offer for care leavers in July 2026, informed by Ofsted findings. Source 1 Source 2
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. 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.

Stories, page 4

  1. Sutton Children's Services Rated 'Good' by Ofsted, Action Plan Implemented for Areas of Improvement Sutton's Children's Services have been rated as 'Good' across all areas following an Ofsted inspection in June 2025, marking a significant achievement for the local authority.... Sutton 29 September 2025
  2. Hackney Schools Review Behaviour Management and Inclusion Practices with Input from Ofsted and DfE Hackney's Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission is conducting an in-depth review of behaviour management and school inclusion, with input from Ofsted and the Department... Hackney 17 September 2025
  3. Merton Children's Services Retain 'Outstanding' Ofsted Rating Merton Council's children's services have once again been recognised as 'Outstanding' following an Ofsted inspection in July, maintaining the rating from the previous... Merton 14 September 2025
  4. Ofsted Urges Havering to Update Corporate Parenting Strategy; Panel Discusses Children in Care Initiatives and Data Ofsted has advised Havering Council to update its Corporate Parenting Strategy following a recent monitoring visit. The recommendation came to light during the Council meeting... Havering 29 July 2025
  5. Council to Open Children's Homes to Address Placement Issues Barking and Dagenham Council is planning to open its own children's homes to address ongoing placement issues for vulnerable youngsters. The decision was revealed during the... Barking and Dagenham 25 July 2025
  6. Harrow Council Faces Scrutiny Over Inadequate Care Leaver Services Harrow Council is facing increased scrutiny after a recent Ofsted inspection deemed its services for care leavers inadequate. The inspection, conducted in January 2025, found... Harrow 11 July 2025
  7. Ofsted Praises Child Services, Flags Pre-Proceeding Delays Barking and Dagenham's child services have received praise from Ofsted for sustained improvements, but the watchdog has also highlighted delays in pre-proceeding processes. The... Barking and Dagenham 4 July 2025