It’s all “Good” in Sutton Children’s Services

Sutton Council has been awarded an overall “Good” judgement by Ofsted following its recent inspection of its Children’s Services. 

The “Good” judgement follows other successful inspections in Sutton including for Sutton College, residential homes for children and the Joint Targeted Area Inspection.

This Ofsted inspection covered a range of services that support and protect children, families and carers, with all areas receiving a “Good” result.

Strong relationships and the understanding staff have of each child, young person and family was recognised across all teams, with the report noting that staff “take time to get to know (the children) and establish positive and helpful relationships.” The report added that staff “advocate for children and care leavers with agility and are committed to supporting children and care leavers.”

Ofsted also commended the Council’s track record of helping to change lives, noting that “parents and children who access the parenting group programme experience meaningful and transformative support,” and go on to “help  others in the community by becoming parent volunteers.”

Councillor Marian James, Lead Member for Children’s Services said: “This Good Ofsted report recognises the skilled, dedicated and passionate workforce we have here in Sutton’s Children’s Services. All teams work together tirelessly to support our children, young people and families to achieve their full potential and transform their lives. I would like to congratulate everyone on this report from Ofsted and thank all in Children’s Services for everything they do for our children and families.”

Jonathan Williams, Director of Children’s Services said: “I’m so proud of our Children’s Services staff and their continued commitment to supporting, protecting and relating to our children, young people and families. We’re passionate about empowering our children and young people to thrive and I would encourage anyone who wants to make a difference to consider a career in our Children’s Services team.”

The Council was last inspected by Ofsted in December 2021 and “most services to children and care leavers have been maintained and improved upon since the last inspection.”

You can view the Ofsted report in full here.