Newham Council was rated ‘outstanding’ in every category of its latest Ofsted inspection.
The report praised the service for its strong leadership, “excellent” support for children and care leavers, and a relationship-based approach to care that has delivered “consistently effective services” for children in need of protection, those in care, and care leavers.
Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, mayor of Newham, said: “I am over the moon that we have achieved outstanding across all areas of the Ofsted inspection for our Children’s Services, the first time ever that Newham Council has met the coveted Ofsted gold standard.
“Building on the progress we made back in 2022 when Newham’s Children’s Services finally moved out of its ‘inadequate’ rating and were designated ‘good’, we are now one of only six local authorities in London officially recognised as outstanding in all areas by Ofsted.
“It’s a testament to our enduring commitment for Newham to be the best place for children and young people in our borough.
“Along with the excellent early years provision we offer, the top-ranking educational outcomes that our youngsters achieve, and our nationally recognised youth empowerment service, today’s Ofsted outstanding ranking reflects our belief that our children and young people should be provided all opportunities and services that keep them healthy, happy and safe.
“It also reflects the passion of our committed and dedicated Children’s Services team, and I am proud of them very much today.”
The Ofsted inspection took place in November 2025 and awarded Newham an outstanding rating in all areas, including overall effectiveness, the impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families, and the experiences and progress of children who need help and protection.
Councillor Sarah Ruiz, deputy mayor and cabinet member for children’s services, education, and sustainable transport, said: “Being rated ‘Outstanding’ is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to every member of staff who continue to put our children and young people at the heart of everything we do in Newham.
“The whole team from leadership down through each member of staff has made this happen and I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
Ofsted found that Newham delivers effective early help to children and families when needs are first identified, builds strong and stable relationships with children, and demonstrates a deep understanding of the borough’s diverse community.
Inspectors highlighted the “highly ambitious and accessible senior leadership team” for driving “child-centred practice” across the service, supported by “Clear strategic leadership, strong political support for children’s services, well-established partnerships and investment in the workforce”.
The council’s relationship-based model of practice, ‘Circles of Support’, was described as “fully embedded” and underpinned by a “positive culture of learning”.
Ofsted also praised the authority’s focus on keeping children within their kinship networks and ensuring their voices remain central to planning and decision-making.
Laura Eden, corporate director of children’s and young people services, said: “I am delighted that our relational, innovative, and culturally competent services to children, young people and their families have been recognised by our regulator, Ofsted.
“We have strived to ensure every child, young person and family who needs additional support, protection and care receives a high-quality service and we will continue to do so.
“I am grateful to our dedicated practitioners and managers who make a difference daily to the lives of children, young people, parents, carers and families.”
The report described Newham’s services as “consistently effective,” noting improvements made since the 2022 inspection.
It stated: “Children in care and care leavers receive excellent support and benefit from very stable relationships with their workers who know them extremely well.
“The highly ambitious and accessible senior leadership team has driven high-quality, child-centred practice across all service areas.”
