Welcome

The ‘outstanding’ rating from Ofsted for our children’s services is the best possible cover story for our first issue of 2023.

We are only the second local authority in the country to achieve this twice in succession under the current framework, which is a fantastic tribute to everyone involved, particularly our staff and Councillors.

I have made clear that keeping vulnerable people safe is our top priority. Ofsted’s endorsement shows we are delivering for the borough’s children and young people.

We are trying to do the same to protect all those who are concerned about the impact of the Mayor of London’s plan to expand the ULEZ in the face of widespread opposition.

Our legal challenge is being considered by the High Court and we are working with the other four councils involved to try to protect residents and businesses from the harm it will cause.

We agreed our budget for the next financial year earlier this month. It will see extra investment in the services on which local people rely, including the care of vulnerable elderly people.

It’s the first Budget shaped by our new strategic plan. Now spring is here and the budget in place, we’re looking forward to making more progress with our drive to Make Bexley Even Better!

Page 25 - How to contact your local Councillors

Page 30 - Useful contacts and telephone numbers

If you would like to know more about the services the Council provides, or would like either a translation of this document or the information in a different format, please call our Customer Contact Centre on 020 8303 7777, quoting reference: 602063/3.23

London Borough of Bexley, Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath DA6 7AT

Phone: 020 8303 7777

• Website: www.bexley.gov.uk

• Email: communications@bexley.gov.uk

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Bexley’s Children’s Services have been judged ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted inspectors for the second time in a row.

The inspection, that took place in February, found that the service had a “clear strategic direction, strong partnerships and good political and corporate support” allowing it to make a significant difference to children’s lives.

It also commented on the impressive support for children despite increasing demand following the pandemic.

The report also praised the strategies the service has in place to help children at the earliest opportunity, preventing difficulties escalating to a level where more intrusive support is required.

Inspectors found that the service had a well-trained workforce that is improving the lives of children and families and that frontline workers feel safe and supported because of the quality of management oversight and decision-making.

Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Philip Read said:

“This is a fantastic report. This judgement makes Bexley only the second local authority in the country to have achieved two successive findings of outstanding under the current Ofsted framework!

Importantly, it also clearly demonstrates the level of commitment our staff show to

Bexley’s most vulnerable children and young people, whose appreciation of their work shines through the findings.

The report confirms what we already knew about our brilliant children’s services teams.”

Find out more about how you could make Bexley even better by joining our ‘Outstanding’ Children’s Services teams on pages 8 and 16.