Wandsworth Rated 'Outstanding' for Children's Services
Top marks across the board as team impressed Ofsted inspectors
The children's services team celebrate. Picture: Wandsworth Council
May 22, 2026
Wandsworth Council’s children’s services team has achieved Ofsted’s highest possible rating, with inspectors judging the borough “outstanding” in every area following a comprehensive inspection earlier this year. The result places Wandsworth among a small group of local authorities nationally to receive top marks across the board.
The inspection, carried out in March 2026, found that children and young people in Wandsworth benefit from “highly responsive and compassionate social work that is firmly centred on their individual experiences.” Inspectors praised practitioners for building “trust and enduring relationships” with children and families, ensuring support is tailored, timely and effective.
The report highlights how the council has built on the strong foundations recognised in its previous inspection in 2022. Ofsted noted that leaders have “steadfastly built on these solid foundations” to deliver consistently high-quality support, resulting in the service now being rated outstanding in every category.
Frontline social workers, managers and partner agencies were commended for their dedication, expertise and commitment to children’s wellbeing. Inspectors found that children receive the right help at the right time, preventing needs from escalating and enabling them to make meaningful and sustained progress.
A “firmly established culture of reflection, learning and professional curiosity” was identified as a key strength, ensuring services continue to evolve and improve. Inspectors also highlighted the council’s strong focus on listening to children and families, with their voices shaping decisions and influencing the support they receive. Effective partnership working across agencies was found to be deeply embedded, keeping children’s safety and wellbeing at the centre of practice.
Councillor Aled Richards-Jones, Leader Elect of Wandsworth Council, said the judgement reflects the dedication and compassion of staff and partners across the borough. “This judgement reflects the dedication, skill and compassion of our staff and partners, who work tirelessly to support children and families across Wandsworth,” he said.
“The service has been built on listening to children, responding early to need and a commitment to continual learning and improvement. I’m incredibly proud that Ofsted has recognised the strength of our practice and the difference our teams make every day. We are committed to building on these strong foundations and ensuring every child and family continues to receive the high-quality support, care and opportunity they deserve.”
Inspectors concluded that leadership across children’s services is highly effective, with strong investment in staff development and support helping to create stable, high-performing teams delivering consistently strong practice for children and families.
The council says it will continue to build on the progress recognised in the report, ensuring that children’s voices remain central and that services continue to adapt to meet the needs of families across the borough.
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