Ofsted has praised the City of London Corporation for delivering “sustained and improved” children’s services, following a series of inspections that culminated in an 'outstanding' rating. The education watchdog’s latest assessment, based on visits in June this year, highlighted the “high quality help and support” and “committed leadership” at the authority, marking a significant endorsement of the Corporation’s work since its last full inspection in November 2024.
Inspectors Note Strengthened Practice in Key Areas
His Majesty’s Inspector Sally Sinclair wrote to the Corporation after two further visits, noting that safeguarding concerns are “skilfully balanced” by practitioners alongside longer-term planning, with a clear focus on children’s safety and wellbeing. Assessments are completed in a timely manner and are described as “comprehensive and analytical,” reflecting a robust approach to evaluating the needs of young people in the Square Mile.
Sinclair’s letter specifically highlighted improvements in areas previously flagged for development, including work addressing domestic abuse and children at risk of exploitation. “This visit found strengthened practice and increased practitioner confidence in these areas,” she wrote. “Practitioners demonstrate a sound understanding of the impact of domestic abuse, exploitation and youth violence and they identify, assess and respond to risk appropriately. Investment in workforce development has supported these improvements.”
Leadership and Workforce Stability Earn Acclaim
The Corporation’s management received particular praise, with Sinclair noting: “Leaders have created a positive learning culture in which staff feel valued, listened to and supported to develop professionally. Strong cross-service collaboration enables flexible, coordinated responses to need.” She added that practitioners describe leaders as “visible, accessible and committed to improvement,” with workforce stability, manageable caseloads, and high levels of professional satisfaction contributing to consistent practice and positive experiences for children and families.
This comes after the November 2024 inspection, which rated the services as 'outstanding' and highlighted the “significant difference” they make to young people’s lives. The recent follow-up visits confirm that these standards have been maintained and built upon, with Sinclair concluding that the services are “impactful, child-focused and responsive.”
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
In her conclusion, Sinclair wrote: “Children benefit from practitioners who understand risk, value relationships and work persistently to secure the right support. Leaders have successfully embedded a culture of learning, reflection and continuous improvement. The City of London demonstrates strong practice, effective oversight and a clear commitment to improving outcomes for children.”
Deputy Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Community and Children’s Services Committee, Common Councillor Steve Goodman, welcomed the findings. “We are delighted Ofsted has recognised the high-quality support our children’s services teams continue to provide,” he said. “Most importantly, inspectors found children and families get the help they need when they need it, with support tailored to their individual circumstances. It’s particularly encouraging to see Ofsted recognise the progress we’ve made in areas previously identified for improvement, showing our commitment to continually learning and improving to deliver the best for children and young people.”
Broader Recognition for SEND Services
The latest praise follows a joint report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Ofsted in December last year, which highlighted the “positive experiences and outcomes” for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) in the City of London. The local area partnership commissioning and providing these services is a shared responsibility between the City of London Corporation and the NHS North East London Integrated Care Board (ICB), underscoring the collaborative approach to supporting vulnerable young people.
