Children's Services
Councils are addressing significant budget overspends in children's services while some achieve 'outstanding' Ofsted ratings.
Kensington and Chelsea's children's services received an 'outstanding' Ofsted rating for the third time in October 2026, with the inspection praising strong foundations and sustained improvements. Wandsworth's children's services also achieved an 'outstanding' rating in September 2026. However, Ofsted identified areas for improvement in Kensington and Chelsea, including the quality of supervision and Independent Reviewing Officer oversight for older children in care. Merton Council's children's services faced scrutiny in September 2026 over increased complaints and delayed responses.
Several councils are forecasting significant budget overspends in children's services for 2026/27, driven by rising demand and costs. Bexley Council forecasts a £0.6 million overspend in October 2026, attributed to agency staff and high-cost placements. Wandsworth Council projects a £5.3 million overspend, and Hammersmith and Fulham Council faces a £14.3 million overspend, both partly due to children's services pressures. Islington Council is expanding apprenticeships and staff support in October 2026 to address a critical workforce shortage.
Children's services, provided by local authorities, safeguard and support children and young people, including those in care and with disabilities. Councils report increasing demand, high referral rates to social care, and a rapid rise in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) as key factors contributing to financial pressures and the need for transformation programmes, such as Croydon's 'Helping Families Thrive' initiative in January 2026.
Key facts
- Kensington and Chelsea's children's services were rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted for the third time in October 2026. Source
- Bexley Council forecasts a £0.6 million overspend in social care, including children's services, for 2026/27. Source
- Wandsworth Council projects a £5.3 million budget overspend for the current financial year, driven by social care and children's services. Source
- Islington Council is expanding apprenticeships and staff support to address a children's workforce shortage in October 2026. Source
- Wandsworth's children's services achieved an 'outstanding' Ofsted rating in September 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 23 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.