Ofsted inspectors visited the borough on March 26 and 27 to monitor progress following the December 2023 judgement.
The visit focused on the experiences and outcomes for children in care, including those with disabilities, those in supported accommodation, and those who go missing from care.
The effectiveness of the response to homeless 16-and-17-year-olds was also evaluated.
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The inspectors found that the introduction of a new corporate parenting service in September 2024 resulted in more manageable caseloads for social workers supporting children in care.
The strengthened performance data reflects an “improving picture”, according to Ofsted, with more timely visits to children and more children in care reviews being held within statutory timescales.
But inspectors said: “There remains much to do as, for many children, social work practice is not yet responding to their care needs at sufficient pace.
“For too many children and families, stable home circumstances are not being achieved at the earliest opportunity.
“Social workers are not receiving regular and consistent supervision to progress care plans and to understand technical and complex care-planning pathways. Consequently, too many children experience delay in achieving permanent care.”
Inspectors said short-term and long-term indicators of placement stability are improving, and children in supported accommodation receive additional oversight and support from social workers, ensuring progress in their education and life skills.
The council said the outcome showed children’s services had made “significant strides”.
Councillor Oscar Ford, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “We are pleased that inspectors saw that our ‘social workers are committed and passionate advocates for their children’ ensuring their voices are heard and recorded sensitively.”
However, he acknowledged that there is still much work to be done.
“The visit found that not all social workers are receiving regular supervision to progress care plans to ensure all our children achieve timely permanence.
“We know that some practitioners need further support to gain the confidence and technical knowledge to support the improvement work we are undertaking, and a range of training is being delivered.”
He also noted the improvements in the response to children who go missing from care, but said that consistency in practice for all children with partner agencies is still being strived for.
“Havering Council remains committed to improving our children’s services and ensuring the best outcomes for the children in our care, and all children and families we support.
“We are encouraged by the positive progress noted by Ofsted and are dedicated to addressing the areas that require further improvement.
“We are continuing our focus on strengthening management oversight and supervision, so that social workers are well supported to progress plans for children.
“We will continue to work diligently to provide the highest standard of care and support for our children and families in the borough.”
