Newham Children’s Services Rated Outstanding by Ofsted

Key Points

• Newham Council’s children’s services received an ‘outstanding’ rating across all categories in the latest Ofsted inspection conducted in November 2025.
• The inspection praised strong leadership, “excellent” support for children in care and care leavers, and a relationship-based approach delivering “consistently effective services” for children needing protection, those in care, and care leavers.
• This marks the first time Newham has achieved the Ofsted ‘outstanding’ gold standard, building on progress from a 2022 inspection that upgraded the service from ‘inadequate’ to ‘good’.
• Newham is now one of only six local authorities in London officially recognised as outstanding in all areas by Ofsted.
• Ofsted highlighted effective early help, strong relationships with children, deep understanding of the borough’s diverse community, and the “highly ambitious and accessible senior leadership team” driving child-centred practice.
• The council’s ‘Circles of Support’ model is fully embedded, underpinned by a positive learning culture, with focus on kinship networks and children’s voices in planning.
• Services described as “consistently effective,” with children in care and care leavers benefiting from stable relationships and workers who know them well.
• Statements from key figures: Rokhsana Fiaz OBE (Mayor), Councillor Sarah Ruiz (Deputy Mayor), and Laura Eden (Corporate Director) celebrated the achievement and staff dedication.

Newham (East London Times) January 14, 2026 – Newham Council’s children’s services have achieved an outstanding rating across every category in the latest Ofsted inspection, marking a historic milestone for the borough. The November 2025 inspection praised the service’s strong leadership and relationship-based approach, delivering consistently effective support for vulnerable children, those in care, and care leavers. This upgrade positions Newham among elite performers in London.

What Led to Newham’s Outstanding Ofsted Rating?

The Ofsted report commended Newham for its “excellent” support for children and care leavers, noting very stable relationships with workers who know them extremely well. Inspectors highlighted the authority’s effective early help when needs are first identified, alongside a deep understanding of the borough’s diverse community. As detailed in coverage from local sources, the service’s child-centred practice stems from clear strategic leadership, strong political support, well-established partnerships, and workforce investment.

Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, Mayor of Newham, expressed elation at the result, stating:

“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.”

She attributed this to building on 2022 progress, when services moved from ‘inadequate’ to ‘good’, making Newham one of only six London authorities with full outstanding status.

The report specified outstanding ratings in overall effectiveness, the impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families, and the experiences and progress of children needing help and protection.

How Has Leadership Driven This Success?

Ofsted described the senior leadership team as “highly ambitious and accessible,” driving high-quality, child-centred practice across all areas. The council’s ‘Circles of Support’ relationship-based model is fully embedded, supported by a positive culture of learning. Inspectors noted the authority’s focus on keeping children within kinship networks and ensuring their voices remain central to planning and decision-making.

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.”

She emphasised:

“The whole team from leadership down through each member of staff has made this happen and I couldn’t be prouder of them.”

Laura Eden, corporate director of children’s and young people services, added:

“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.”

Eden continued:

“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.”

What Improvements Occurred Since 2022?

The report explicitly noted services as “consistently effective,” with significant advancements since the 2022 inspection. Children in care and care leavers receive excellent support, benefiting from stable relationships. Mayor Fiaz linked this to broader commitments:

“It’s a testament to our enduring commitment for Newham to be the best place for children and young people in our borough.”

She further stated:

“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.”

Fiaz concluded:

“It also reflects the passion of our committed and dedicated Children’s Services team, and I am proud of them very much today.”

Why Does This Matter for Newham’s Diverse Community?

Newham builds strong and stable relationships with children, demonstrating a deep understanding of its diverse population. Ofsted praised the focus on early intervention and kinship care, ensuring culturally sensitive support. This outstanding rating underscores the borough’s progress in safeguarding vulnerable groups amid urban challenges.

The inspection’s comprehensive scope covered protection needs, care experiences, and care leaver transitions, all rated top-tier. Councillor Ruiz reinforced the staff-centric narrative: every team member prioritises children’s welfare.

What Challenges Were Overcome?

From ‘inadequate’ in prior years to outstanding now, Newham transformed through sustained investment. The 2022 ‘good’ rating was a stepping stone, with innovations like ‘Circles of Support’ proving pivotal. Ofsted’s findings affirm:

“The highly ambitious and accessible senior leadership team has driven high-quality, child-centred practice across all service areas.”

Mayor Fiaz highlighted the journey:

“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’.”

This evolution reflects political will and practitioner dedication.

How Does Newham Compare to Other London Authorities?

Newham joins only six London councils with outstanding across-the-board Ofsted ratings, a rare feat. The report’s praise for partnerships and workforce development sets it apart. Eden noted the ongoing commitment: practitioners daily impact lives.

This status enhances Newham’s reputation for early years, education, and youth services. Ruiz’s pride echoes: the achievement belongs to the entire team.

What’s Next for Newham Children’s Services?

Ofsted’s recognition validates ambitions, but leaders vow continuity. Fiaz’s vision: optimal opportunities for health, happiness, and safety. Eden affirmed: high-quality services persist.

The borough’s model offers a blueprint for others, emphasising relationships and inclusion. As Newham advances, this milestone inspires confidence in its child welfare system.