Ofsted published its report commending the significant improvements in the quality of Newham Council’s Children’s Services, praising its ‘outstanding’ leadership and describing an ‘environment where good social work can flourish’ in a three-year turnaround driven by Mayor Fiaz and her administration.
The publication of the report today also marks the end of the Department for Education’s intervention in Newham’s Children’s Services.
Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz said: “In 2018, when I first became Mayor, I promised to transform the Council and reverse the criminal underinvestment in our children and young people. I made a promise I would place them at the forefront of my administration’s agenda to make Newham the best place for them to be supported and safe so they can thrive. Today’s Ofsted report is evidence the Council is changing and is a major milestone in my commitment that Newham becomes an outstanding child-friendly borough where all young people, regardless of background, are valued and heard”.
Councillor Sarah Ruiz, cabinet member for Children’s Services said: “I want to thank all our staff and partners who have worked tirelessly to improve our services to the most vulnerable children and young people in the borough. This has been achieved in the most difficult of circumstances with demand for services increasing due to the COVID-19 pandemic and staff handling some extremely complex issues. We can truly be proud of our children’s services which put young people at the heart of what they do. We will continue to do all we can to ensure all our young people can access the support and opportunities they need to thrive.”
