OFSTED
Councils are responding to Ofsted inspection findings on children's and SEND services, while also developing new children's homes.
Sutton's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services were identified as an Area for Priority Action in September 2026 following a joint Ofsted and Care Quality Commission inspection. This highlighted systemic failures in dysphagia pathways. In October 2026, Hillingdon Council approved plans for a new children's care home. Wandsworth's children's services achieved an 'outstanding' Ofsted rating in September 2026, while Lambeth and Southwark maintained 'good' ratings in September and July 2026 respectively.
Newham Council approved plans to open two new children's homes in September 2026 to provide specialist care. Hackney's services for care leavers were praised by Ofsted in July 2026, noting strengthened services since 2024. Harrow Council revamped its care leaver offer in July 2026, informed by Ofsted findings from January 2026 that identified significant shortcomings. Hammersmith and Fulham's SEND services received the highest possible rating in June 2026.
No upcoming meetings are listed in the provided material. Ofsted, the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills, is a non-ministerial department of the UK government responsible for inspecting education and care services in England.
Key facts
- Hillingdon Council's Planning Committee approved plans for a new care home for up to four children on 14 October 2026. Source
- Sutton's SEND services were identified as an Area for Priority Action by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission in September 2026. Source
- Wandsworth's children's services were rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted in September 2026. Source
- Newham Council approved plans to open two new children's homes on 22 September 2026. Source
- Lambeth's Children's Services was rated 'Good' by Ofsted following an inspection in January 2026. Source
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 16 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.