A TOUGH inspection regime rolled out following the case of Baby P - has praised Hounslow's children's services.
Ofsted gave a rating of "good" in a wide-ranging report into how the council protect and look after children and young people.
The report is the first in the borough under the new tougher inspection laws and councillor Lin Davies, lead member for children's services at the council was pleased.
She said: "One of the most important things we do is help to keep the borough's children safe. The horrific case of Baby Peter brought this work into the public eye like never before, so it's important to have independent assurance that all the agencies in Hounslow are working together so well.
"This report doesn't just look at the sharp end though, it shows that across the boards, professionals working with children in the borough are doing a good job. Keeping children safe is something that we can never, ever, be complacent about.
"The report highlights a few issues we need to address and we're already working to improve these, and will continue to monitor the service ourselves to make sure the high standards are maintained."
To celebrate the hard work of the social workers and other staff across the organisation who help keep children and young people safe, dozens of officers took part in a photo shoot spelling out the rating.
"Most of us would struggle to even comprehend the kinds of cases social workers deal with in their day-to-day work, so it's important we show them our appreciation," said Councillor Davies. "This rating is a measure of their professionalism, dedication and compassion, for which we are all extremely grateful."
Ofsted produced the report after discussions with children and young people receiving services, frontline managers, senior officers, councillors and community representatives.
A review of 20 case files for children and young people was also analysed. The full report can be found on www.ofsted.gov.uk
