Organisation

OFSTED

32 stories · discussed at 17 council meetings · 21 councils

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

  1. Hillingdon Council's Planning Committee approved plans for a new care home for up to four children on 14 October 2026. Source
  2. Sutton's SEND services were identified as an Area for Priority Action by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission in September 2026. Source
  3. Wandsworth's children's services were rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted in September 2026. Source
  4. Newham Council approved plans to open two new children's homes on 22 September 2026. Source
  5. 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.

Stories, page 2

  1. Harrow Council Enhances Care Leaver Support with Revamped Local Offer Harrow Council has revamped its local offer for care leavers, aiming to provide clearer, more accessible, and meaningful support. The updated offer, developed in collaboration... Harrow 3 July 2026
  2. Harrow Council Refreshes Care Leaver Support Offer with Simplified Information and New Sections Harrow Council has refreshed its 'Local Offer' for care leavers, aiming to make the support available to young people leaving the care system clearer, more accessible, and more... Harrow 3 July 2026
  3. Bexley's SEND Reforms Show Progress, But Challenges Persist in Key Areas Bexley's efforts to reform Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services are showing progress, with improvements noted in the timeliness and quality of Education,... Bexley 1 July 2026
  4. Hammersmith and Fulham SEND services achieve highest possible rating from Ofsted and CQC Hammersmith and Fulham's services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have received the highest possible rating in a recent... Hammersmith and Fulham 30 June 2026
  5. SEND Inspection Report Delayed Until May 11 Due to Local Elections Councillors have expressed disappointment as the publication of the Local Area SEND inspection report has been delayed until May 11, citing local elections as the reason. The... Bexley 26 March 2026
  6. Hounslow Boosts SEND Support with Programme Extension Hounslow Council's Cabinet has approved plans to extend the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) Programme until the end of October... Hounslow 20 March 2026
  7. Southwark Council Reports Significant Achievements in Housing, Education, and Environmental Initiatives During 2022-2026 Term Southwark Council's Cabinet has reviewed its achievements and performance over the 2022-2026 term, noting significant progress in key areas including housing, education, and... Southwark 20 March 2026
  8. Redbridge Council reviews progress on SEND services following Ofsted report Redbridge Council's Children and Young People Policy Development Committee has reviewed a report detailing significant progress and ongoing work in improving services for... Redbridge 18 March 2026