Early Help
Councils are reviewing the effectiveness and funding of early help services, which support children and families before problems escalate.
Southwark Children's Services maintained its 'good' Ofsted rating in July 2026, with inspectors commending effective early help services. In the same month, Barking and Dagenham Council noted a 12% growth in children receiving early help over the last three years, as reported to the Full Council. Croydon Council is also consolidating several customer-facing services into a 'Front Door' reception at Cavendish House in August 2026.
Croydon's Family Hubs secured an extension of their funding until March 2029, with £6.2 million allocated over three years, confirmed by the Scrutiny Children & Young People Sub-Committee in June 2026. This follows a £4 million funding boost for Croydon's youth services in March 2026. Tower Hamlets Council faced a projected £18.6 million overspend for 2025-26, largely attributed to increased demand in children's social care.
The Children's Services Scrutiny Sub-Committee in Lambeth is scheduled to discuss an Ofsted update, corporate parenting, and the SEND Reform Plan on 7 September 2026. Early help services provide support to children and families at an early stage to prevent problems from escalating.
Key facts
- Croydon Council decided to consolidate services into Cavendish House on 29 July 2026. Source
- Barking and Dagenham Council noted a 12% growth in children receiving early help over the last three years in July 2026. Source
- Southwark's Children's Services maintained its 'good' Ofsted rating in July 2026. Source
- Croydon's Family Hubs secured funding extension until March 2029, with £6.2 million allocated, in June 2026. Source
- Croydon's youth services are set to receive over £4 million funding in 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.