This achievement, confirmed following the July 2025 inspection, places Merton among a select group of councils nationwide to sustain an Outstanding overall rating in children’s social care.
It follows closely on the borough-wide success of all schools achieving “Good or Better” and strengthens Merton’s reputation as one of the best places for children and young people to grow up.
Inspectors described practice as “exceptionally high-quality” and praised the way children and young people are at the heart of service design and delivery. Participation and co-production were noted as strengths, with inspectors pointing to “a strong and genuine commitment to youth participation” that ensures children help to shape services and drive change across the borough.
“Children in Merton are very well cared for, and supported to thrive.”
Ofsted
Leadership was again highlighted as a key strength. Despite changes at senior levels, governance and accountability remain stable and effective, with leaders and partners working hand-in-hand to provide the best support possible. Inspectors described leadership as “caring and ambitious” and praised the collaborative approach across council departments and safeguarding partners.
Ofsted noted that Merton's social worker feel that it is an excellent place to practice social work.
“Merton’s workforce is largely permanent, with caseloads managed at a level that enables purposeful work. Staff feel well supported by colleagues, managers and leaders.”
Ofsted
Inspectors also highlighted a culture that values reflective practice, relationships and time with children.
“Workers told inspectors they love the children they work with. Leaders encourage this, to the benefit of both workers and children. Workers have time for reflection, analysis, to build relationships and to simply play with their children.”
Ofsted
Ofsted praised Merton for maintaining exceptionally high-quality support, especially in complex areas such as extra-familial harm. Inspectors described this work as “sophisticated and impressive,” with a focus on relationships, context and a multi-agency response that ultimately reduces harm and improves outcomes.
In care, support was described as “outstanding,” with social workers building meaningful, trusting and lasting relationships with children, who are helped to make sense of their lives and transitions.
“Children in care in Merton, including disabled children in care, receive outstanding support from social workers who know them very well. Workers and children build meaningful, trusting and, very often, lasting relationships, which is helping most children to make significant progress. Children receive regular visits and bespoke support to help them understand change and transitions, and consistent use of tools such as ‘Words and Pictures’ and life-story work help children make sense of their journeys.”
Ofsted
Care leavers also benefit from strong relationships with their personal advisers (PAs), with support that is consistent, compassionate and effective in helping them progress into adulthood.
“Care leavers who spoke with inspectors were overwhelmingly positive about the enduring and strong relationships they have with their PAs and how this has contributed to sustained improvements in their lives. The quality, warmth and supportive nature of these relationships are routinely captured in care leavers’ records.”
Ofsted
In a letter to the council, Yvette Stanley, National Director Regulation and Social Care at Ofsted, said:
“This is a magnificent achievement and one which I personally wanted to acknowledge. Your ‘outstanding’ inspection outcome reflects the continued determination of your leadership team, managers and frontline staff, as well as the wider council and your safeguarding partners. You should all be proud of the sustained positive difference you have made for the children and families of Merton over time.”
Yvette Stanley, Ofsted
Councillor Ross Garrod, Leader of Merton Council, said:
“With our children’s services being rated Outstanding, as well as the recent Good rating for our adult social care services, it’s no wonder that The Times recently named Merton as one of the top four places to live in the UK. But this rating is not the finish line… we will continue working hard to put children, their learning, their life, and their families at the heart of all we do.”
Ross Garrod, Merton
Councillor Usaama Kaweesa, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, added:
“We’re very proud that Merton’s children’s services have retained their Outstanding rating from Ofsted. This achievement reflects the unwavering commitment of council staff, our partners, and local volunteers to putting local children and families first and making sure they are getting the right care and support, when they need it.”
Usaama Kaweesa, Merton
Merton’s children’s services continue to deliver excellence, further establishing the borough as one of the very best places in the UK for children and families.