A monitoring visit was made in September with the findings being made public on October 16.
This was the third monitoring visit since services were judged ‘inadequate’ in December 2023.
An Ofsted inspector wrote in a letter: “Since the last monitoring visit in March 2025, there have been tangible improvements to the services provided to children and families in Havering.
“While there remains more to do, children and families are beginning to benefit from improving social work practice.”
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The permanent senior leadership team in the borough was found to be steadily taking steps to deliver improvements for children in need of help and protection.
Social work visits and meetings with children and families were deemed to be held with increased timeliness and regularity.
Social workers were also described as “becoming more confident and effective in exercising their professional judgement and responding to children’s assessed needs and risks”.
Support for children with complex medical needs and disabilities was also said to have improved, with Ofsted finding social workers advocating for children and responding when their needs change.
However, the inspector said for some children, social worker visits were not regular enough to build relationships to make “sustained changes to their lives”.
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Cabinet member for children and young people, Councillor Oscar Ford, said: “I am proud to share that we have been told that good progress has been made since Ofsted last visited in March.
“Inspectors noted tangible improvements, with children and families benefiting from stronger social work support.
“However, there are still areas where we need to do more, and we are committed to building on our progress to date.
“Ofsted have confirmed that our leadership is focused on the right priorities, and we are investing in training and support so staff can deliver their best work.
“I would like to thank all our staff and partners for their dedication and resilience.
“Together, we are creating a learning culture where services put children and young people first to improve their outcomes.”
Cllr Ford also gave credit to the children’s social care plan, which was agreed by full council to focus on strengthening social work practice, improving management oversight, and ensuring children’s voices are heard.
