After a regulator visit in early March, the municipality has marked “exceptional”, based on the inspection of 2022 that identified some margin of improvement despite an outstanding general score.
Ofsted has now found that previous weaknesses have become “areas of force”, with the upper qualification granted for the five categories.
Inspector Claire Beckingham discovered that “rapid and harmful early aid of Camden” had improved the circumstances of the children, and in many cases avoided the need for intervention.
The decision making around the references to the Multiple Board Protection Center was “timely” and had led to the correct level of intervention, he reported.
Social workers were also “experts and safe”, and have been supported by strong managerial supervision.
“Almost all children receive fast and decisive help to meet their needs and safeguard their well -being,” the report added.
The inspector found an area to improve: for a small number of Camden children, decision -making and staff climbing could be more timely in cases where plans “did not progress within the identified time scales.”
However, in general, he judged that children benefit from “strong and lasting relationships with their social workers.”
The report also found that the voices and opinions of the children were “valued and given by weight”, and that the complex needs of the disabled children understood “very well.”
The inspector also pointed out the strong educational achievement of those who move from care, and praised the “deep understanding” of the leaders or the holistic needs of young people.
Member of the Cabinet for the best beginning for children and families, CLLR Marcus Boyland, said: “In Camden, we have long recognized the power of early intervention and prevention to keep the united families and reduce the need for children to receive attention.
“This Ofsted qualification validates our hard work to care for and protect children. A great congregation for the entire team,” he said.
“We will continue to work diligently, day and night, to maintain and even more improve our outstanding children’s services, ensuring that children and young people are in the heart of everything we do.”
