Harrow's Ofsted report
- Harrow rated good for safeguarding and supporting under 18s.
- Inadequate overall due to inconsistent support to care leavers.
- Swift action taken: every care leaver who needs support, now has it in place.
Overall, the Ofsted inspection of Harrow’s children’s services in January 2025, rated Harrow ‘Good’ in the safeguarding and children in care categories. The report found that children and families can access a good range of early support, getting the right help at the right time. Social workers build good relationships with their children and young people and work hard to find out what is important for each child.
However, the report published today (Tuesday 4 March) highlighted concerns around inconsistent support and advice provided to young people over the age of 18 who have now left care – rating the council as ‘Inadequate’ in the leaving care category. This therefore means that Harrow’s children’s services receive an overall rating of ‘Inadequate’
Cllr Hitesh Karia, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said:
“The well-being and safeguarding of our children and young people has and always will be a top priority for the council.
“We take the role of looking after children in care and supporting them into adulthood very seriously. It is reassuring that the Ofsted report recognises the ‘Good’ work we do to safeguard and support those children. Sadly, the Ofsted report also highlights, that in recent years we haven’t always provided the right support at the right time for all our young people as they leave care at 18. For that we are truly sorry.
“We accept the findings of this report and have moved quickly to ensure those who have been let down, now have a dedicated worker and will have the support they so rightly deserve to thrive in everything they go on to do, as adults.”
The Ofsted report says [SIC] since the inspection in 2020 when Harrow’s Children’s services were rated as ‘Good’, some, but not all services and support for children and young people in Harrow have improved. And while some care leavers have positive relationships with their personal advisors and can get the support they need, for too many, this support is not available when young people need it most.
Swift action was taken by the council to put in place the support needed. All care leavers over the age of 18 in Harrow who need support, now have a dedicated worker and a care plan in place.
Cllr Karia said:
“While the outcome is not what we hoped for, the report highlights the great work our dedicated social workers do and the good services we generally provide for our children and young people. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their dedication to achieve better outcomes for our children and young people.”