Children’s social care services in Lambeth have significantly improved since 2022, according to inspectors.
Ofsted visited Lambeth council in December to look at the arrangements for children in care.
A report published on Monday said services for children in need and child protection in Lambeth have “improved significantly” since the last Ofsted inspection in 2022, when they were judged as requires improvement.
Inspectors said the service had a clear, strategic vision to achieve change for children and praised the leadership teams for their dedication to “develop and support a culture of continuous learning and improvement”.
Councillor Ben Kind, Cabinet Member for Children and Families said: “Lambeth children’s services provide incredibly important community support, safeguarding the future of the most vulnerable young people in our borough.
“So I am really pleased that we have got this positive feedback from Ofsted, and am reassured that the council is on a strong improvement path following the disappointing outcomes highlighted in our last inspection two years ago.”
The service could increase direct work with children “to build relationships and understand their lived experiences”, inspectors said.
The report said: “Leaders are fully aware of the challenges in recruiting qualified and experienced social workers.
“These challenges have led to multiple changes in staff, which impedes the development of trusting relationships with children.”
The report said work by council leaders was having a positive impact to address these issues.
Cllr Kind said: “While there is lots of praise in the letter outlining the findings, it is also a reminder that we must continue to put in the hard work that has got us to this place.
“There are further challenges ahead, but we are determined to use the experience gained here and build on that to best meet the needs of our borough.”
Pictured top: Councillor Ben Kind, Cabinet Member for Children and Families welcomed the findings of the Ofsted inspection (Picture: Lambeth council)