Inspection of Richmond upon Thames local authority children’s services

Inspection dates: 30 June to 4 July 2025

Judgement Grade

The impact of leaders on social work
practice with children and families Outstanding

The experiences and progress of
children who need help and protection Good

The experiences and progress of
children in care Outstanding

The experiences and progress of
children care leaver Outstanding

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The Report states:

“Children living in Richmond upon Thames receive an outstanding service. Since the
last inspection in February 2022, which judged services to be good, services have
further improved, and all the areas identified for improvement at that inspection
have been comprehensively addressed.

The impressive and stable leadership team has sustained and developed the quality of services for children and young people. It has embedded an organisational culture that puts children and young people at the centre.

Children receive high-quality support in all areas, tailored to their individual
needs and circumstances. Leaders know their service extremely well, and where
there are areas for development, robust plans are in place to strengthen them.

The local authority has delegated its statutory children’s social care functions to a trust
arrangement with Achieving for Children (AFC). This arrangement is well established
and features effective governance between the local authority and AFC.”

The Council is entitled to be pleased with this report. Can the same be said of services for children with special educational needs?