Inspectors have warned that Enfield Borough Council's care of children who need help and protection ‘requires improvement’.

Education watchdog Ofsted gave the local authority its second highest 'good' rating overall, making it the first in London to receive a good rating for both children’s services and the local safeguarding of children.

In their report, inspectors said the council has a “strong track record" of making significant improvements to the lives of vulnerable children.

But the report also asked the council to improve its electronic social care record keeping, and improve local placement choice so more young people can be looked after close to their homes.

The authority received the second highest 'good' ratings in its categories of leadership management and governance and for looked-after children.

Enfield Council’s cabinet member for education, children’s services and protection, Cllr Ayfer Orhan, said: “We put children and their welfare at the heart of everything we do and we are determined to do everything we can to help them grow up in a safe, protected and nurturing environment.”
 
“I’m absolutely thrilled that Ofsted has recognised the good work Enfield Council and its partners are doing but we are not complacent when working with vulnerable children and we’d like to thank Ofsted for helping us to identify areas where we can continue to improve.”
 
Andrew Fraser, director of schools and children's services at the council,  said: “This is testament to the hard work and commitment from all staff and partner agencies, and their dedication to improving the lives of children and young people in the borough. 
 
“We are working hard to make sure the right safeguards are in place so that our children and young people are protected from harm, and we will continue to seek new and innovative ways of developing preventative and early intervention services to improve the outcomes of children and young people at the earliest opportunity.”