Ofsted Inspectors have commended Sutton Council’s ‘committed and ambitious’ team and found the borough delivered good care following a scrutiny visit.

Inspectors visited Sutton children’s services and observed its overall effectiveness was ‘good’, the second highest rating.

The watchdog regularly visits schools, but also inspects child care, adoption and fostering services.

Scrutineers were in the borough between November 14 and December 8, last year, and published the report on February 13.

As of November 14, 2016, 224 children were being looked after by the council with 152 living outside the borough. Eighteen of those in care are unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.

The report read: “Most children missing from home and care and those at risk of sexual and gang exploitation or radicalisation receive well-coordinated help and protection that reduce harm and risk.”

It added: “Children who need adoption benefit from good planning and support. Prospective adopters are assessed, trained and supported well, and the quality of post-adoption support is good. As a result, children thrive in their adoptive families.”

Christine Davies, CBE, of Sutton’s safeguarding children board, said: “I am delighted that the strength of partnership working across Sutton has made a significant difference to keeping children and young people safe.

“I would like to thank all partners, which includes health, police, voluntary and council services for their considerable hard work, energy and commitment to improving the lives and safety of children in Sutton.”