The borough’s children’s social care services have significantly improved according to education and services watchdog Ofsted.

A 2015 inspection of Waltham Forest social services, fostering and adoption departments found they ‘required improvement’.

Following a fresh inspection between January and February this year, the overall rating was marked up to ‘good with an ‘outstanding’ rating given for the impact senior management has had in the area.

As part of the inspection a team from Ofsted visited the borough and spoke with council staff, partners and service users to assess the services offered over all.

The final report said the council has made “strong progress to establish a resilient, sustainable and child-focused service, underpinned by strong, effective political and corporate support.”

Inspectors found the authority and those it works with share a “clear, ambitious vision and core values”.

Some areas still required work however, including care leavers’ access to their own health records and the time it takes health accessment information for a child in care to be added to the records.

Management also need to better make the link between planning for children at risk of domestic abuse and their child protection plans; a document that outlines what a vulnerable child requires in support from the borough.

Cllr Clare Coghill, council leader, said: “I am proud of the incredible progress we have made.

“This inspection shows the children’s services workforce in Waltham Forest make a real difference in the lives of our young people.

“It’s testament to the hard work and dedication of partners and the community working with parents, carers, and children to support them in achieving good outcomes.

“Children services staff often fail to get the huge credit they deserve but they are essential to supporting the most vulnerable children in our society.

“This report shows the hard work and fundamental progress all agencies have made over recent years, to ensure our children are not only safe but that they have the support and confidence they need to thrive.

“I am proud to lead Waltham Forest Council as we educate and grow the leaders of tomorrow.”