The findings - following a visit to the council’s children in care services - highlighted the consistently high quality of care provided, noting that children and young people benefit from well‑coordinated, multidisciplinary support that promotes their wellbeing, educational progress and long‑term outcomes.
Key strengths identified within the Royal Borough included:
- A strong focus on kinship care. Siblings are kept together and placements are made within family networks where possible. Time with family is a priority and reunification is also actively considered when appropriate and safe.
- Prioritising education and employment. The virtual school provides robust support with regular meetings with the child or young people enable excellent progress.
- Positive relationships with social workers. Social workers build strong, consistent relationships with the children and young people in their care which enables them to give appropriate support throughout their care journey.
- Robust governance and clear leadership. Governance arrangements between Achieving for Children and the Royal Borough are effective, and corporate parenting responsibilities are a priority for leaders.
- Early emotional support and opportunities to thrive. Children are supported emotionally through strengths and difficulties questionnaires which help to identify needs at an early stage. They are also offered a wide range of recreational activities which bolsters confidence and independence.
Ofsted also commends the significant improvements in the stability of the workforce. Since the last visit in 2024, there has been a reduction in staff turnover, which positively impacts the children as it means less change in social workers. Staff were also recognised for the strong internal networks which means that children’s plan progress quickly.
Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education & Windsor, Cllr Amy Tisi said: “This positive Ofsted report reflects the dedication of our staff and the strong relationships they build with children and young people in our care. We are committed to ensuring children and young people in the Royal Borough have the best positive start to life and we will continue to drive forward further improvements to ensure they are safe, supported and able to flourish.”
The council has continued to invest in housing for children and young people in care, with the recent opening of a new children’s home. Oak House provides a warm, homey and stable environment for young people in care which allows them to remain close to existing support networks.