Wandsworth achieves Ofsted’s highest possible rating for children’s services
Published: Monday, May 18, 2026
Wandsworth Council has achieved Ofsted’s highest possible rating for children’s services, with the borough judged “outstanding” in every area following an inspection that recognised the exceptional support being delivered to children, young people and families.
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The inspection, carried out in March 2026, found that children in Wandsworth benefit from “highly responsive and compassionate social work that is firmly centred on their individual experiences” with practitioners building “trust and enduring relationships” with children and their families.
Building on the strong foundations recognised in the previous inspection in 2022, Ofsted highlighted how leaders have “steadfastly built on these solid foundations” to deliver consistently high-quality support, resulting in services now being rated “outstanding” in every area.
Inspectors praised the dedication and expertise of frontline practitioners, managers and partner agencies, alongside council’s leadership and deeply embedded child-focused culture. They found that children received the right help at the right time, preventing needs from escalating and helping them make meaningful and sustained progress.
A “firmly established culture of reflection, learning and professional curiosity" ensures services continue to evolve and improve.
The report also highlights the council’s clear focus on listening to children and families with their voices shaping decisions and support. Strong partnership working across agencies ensures that children’s safety and wellbeing remain at the centre of everything the council does.
Councillor Aled Richards-Jones, Leader Elect of Wandsworth Council, said: “This judgement reflects the dedication, skill and compassion of our staff and partners, who work tirelessly to support children and families across Wandsworth.
“The service has been built on listening to children, responding early to need 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.
As a result, children across Wandsworth are benefitting from consistently high-quality support and brighter futures.