City of London Corporation’s children’s services rated outstanding by Ofsted
Inspectors praise sustained improvements and high-quality support for children and families in the Square Mile
News London evidence indexOpen analysis ▾
Names inspector Sally Sinclair and councillor Steve Goodman; cites Ofsted report and dates.
Higher is stronger
Provides quotes, dates, and context; reads like a press release with limited added reporting.
Higher is stronger
Language is measured and factual, no sensationalism.
Lower is better
The City of London Corporation’s children’s services have been rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, following an inspection in November 2024. The rating follows a period of improvement in areas previously identified as needing attention, including domestic abuse and exploitation risks. Inspectors visited the authority twice in June 2026, with His Majesty’s Inspector Sally Sinclair praising the quality of support provided to children and families.
Sinclair’s letter to the Corporation highlighted the “high quality help and support” delivered by practitioners, alongside “committed leadership”. She noted that safeguarding concerns are now balanced with long-term planning, ensuring children’s safety and wellbeing remain central. Assessments are completed promptly and described as “comprehensive and analytical”, according to the report.
Catalyst Care directors fined £92,400 for running unregistered children’s homes in Kent
Davidson Lynch-Shyllon and Miriam Ekathor disqualified after Ofsted prosecution in Croydon Magistrates’ Court
Leadership and workforce praised
The Ofsted report commended the Corporation’s management for creating a “positive learning culture” where staff feel valued and supported. Sinclair wrote that leaders are “visible, accessible and committed to improvement”, with stable workforce conditions and manageable caseloads contributing to consistent practice. Cross-service collaboration was also noted as a strength, enabling flexible responses to children’s needs.
Progress in addressing domestic abuse and exploitation risks was a key focus of the inspection. Sinclair wrote that practitioners now demonstrate a “sound understanding” of these issues and respond to risks appropriately. Investment in workforce development has supported these improvements, with inspectors noting increased confidence among staff in handling such cases.
Barnet parks enforce fire ban as London heatwave hits 33 days over 30°C
Residents warned open flames and barbecues are now prohibited in all major London green spaces
“We are delighted Ofsted has recognised the high-quality support our children’s services teams continue to provide. Most importantly, inspectors found children and families get the help they need when they need it, with support tailored to their individual circumstances.”
Steve Goodman, Deputy Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Community and Children’s Services Committee
Joint responsibility for services
The children’s services are commissioned and provided jointly by the City of London Corporation and the NHS North East London Integrated Care Board. This partnership covers the Square Mile, an area with a small but diverse population of children and families. The Corporation is the local authority for the City, while the ICB oversees health services in the region.
In December 2025, Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission also praised the Corporation’s services for children with special educational needs and disabilities. The joint report noted “positive experiences and outcomes” for children in the area, reinforcing the Corporation’s broader progress in children’s services.
What happens next
No formal next steps are required following the ‘outstanding’ rating. The City of London Corporation will continue to provide children’s services under the existing partnership with the NHS North East London Integrated Care Board. Residents can view the full Ofsted report on the Corporation’s website, where details of the inspection findings are published.
Questions this report answers
+What did Ofsted say about the City of London’s children’s services?
Ofsted rated the City of London Corporation’s children’s services as ‘outstanding’ in November 2024. Inspectors praised improvements in safeguarding, timely assessments, and strong leadership, noting that children and families receive high-quality support tailored to their needs.
+Who is responsible for the children’s services in the City of London?
The services are commissioned and provided jointly by the City of London Corporation and the NHS North East London Integrated Care Board. This partnership covers the Square Mile, ensuring children and families receive coordinated support from both local authority and health services.
+What improvements were made since the last Ofsted inspection?
The Corporation addressed previous concerns about domestic abuse and exploitation risks. Inspectors found strengthened practice and increased practitioner confidence in these areas, supported by workforce development and better risk assessment procedures.
+What happens now the services have been rated outstanding?
No formal next steps are required following the rating. The City of London Corporation will continue to deliver children’s services under the existing partnership with the NHS North East London Integrated Care Board. The full Ofsted report is available on the Corporation’s website.
News London Desk
This article was written at the News London news desk from the reporting of the outlets listed below it. Drafting is done by a language model under human editorial supervision — there is no reporter behind this byline, and we would rather say so than invent one.
How stories are produced and scoredWho runs News LondonCorrections
The London Ledger
A considered capital-wide edit delivered each morning.
More Coverage in Council & Politics
Catalyst Care directors fined £92,400 for running unregistered children’s homes in Kent
Barnet parks enforce fire ban as London heatwave hits 33 days over 30°C
OG Anunoby and Camden Council to refurbish Argyle Square basketball court
