An Ofsted report has sung the praises of Kensington ad Chelsea London Borough Council in the way that it has handled the protection of vulnerable children.
Ofsted’s inspectors used the words ‘excellent’, ‘innovative’, and ‘effective’ as well as ‘passionate’ when they published their report, whilst praising their work providing accommodation, education and mental health support for those arriving from Afghanistan and Ukraine.
The report says:
“Children who are vulnerable to extra-familial risk receive excellent support from social workers and partner agencies.
“Carefully crafted safety plans address issues that make children vulnerable. Leaders work tirelessly with a broad range of partners and commissioned services to promote awareness and understanding of extrafamilial risks.
“As a result, professionals can swiftly identify vulnerable children and ensure that they and their families receive early and effective support to mitigate risks.
“Workers are passionate about improving children’s safety and creating opportunities for them. Leaders and practitioners continually drive innovation and continuously seek to improve the impact of the support they provide…
“The wider needs and issues of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children are well considered, and good attempts are made to address all their needs, including accommodation, education, physical and mental health, culture, and friendship.
“They receive sensitive and appropriate support despite the fact that many of their placements are out of area, making it more difficult for them to fully access and engage with the authority’s services and community support.”
Another important part of the services that the council provides is the support provided to those who have histories of youth offending, with them being offered the chance to engage with extra-curricular activities and put their focus onto creativity. Troubled young people are helped with their school attendance, with a hope of getting to the root of their problems and helping them to widen the scope of their opportunities.
