VULNERABLE children looked after by the council live in stable homes and do well at school, a report has shown.

Redbridge Council’s children’s services were given “good” ratings in four out of five areas of its most recent Ofsted report (published November 25).

During a month-long inspection this autumn the council showed compassion for vulnerable families and their children, as well as good management and leadership.

After stricter Ofsted criteria was introduced in 2013, less than half of London’s 32 boroughs have managed to perform well in their children’s services inspections.

So Redbridge cabinet member for children and young people Cllr Elaine Norman is delighted the borough is exceeding expectations.

She said: “I am thrilled with this result, it’s a great achievement to be rated so highly, especially when compared to the outcomes of inspections in other boroughs.

“Our “good” rating is a testimony to the great work social workers and other staff do every day to support vulnerable children and families.

“I would like to thank all staff involved in the tough and demanding work of children’s safeguarding for their dedication and hard work.”

In particular, the report praised staff for their “front door” services, which are the first point of call when children come into local authority care.

It also recognised the tough challenges facing Redbridge, and commended staff for working so well in the fourth most ethnically diverse and second fastest growing borough in the UK.

But there are still concerns over the level of support the borough’s care leavers receive.

The report claims: “Redbridge services for care leavers have a number of strengths, but are not yet consistently good.

“Support from personal advisers is variable, pathway plans are not yet consistently helpful, and services need to have a closer oversight of outcomes.”

It added that a small number of care leavers “do not always feel their successes are celebrated” and some had problems with accommodation.

Despite these issues, Redbridge was complimented on its work with outside bodies including the police, health services, and charities.

What has your experience of Redbridge’s children services been like?

Email your stories to our reporter Lara Keay on lara.keay@london.newsquest.co.uk or call 07768 507739.