Plans to improve Havering's children's services have been set out after its 'inadequate' Ofsted rating last year.

The Havering’s Children’s Services Improvement Plan includes measures to address the long waiting times for support experienced by many children and young people.

Havering Council's cabinet has approved this detailed plan, which follows a damning Ofsted report published in February 2024.

Ofsted found that four out of five areas of practice were 'inadequate', while a fifth required improvement.

However, the education watchdog acknowledged the council's good understanding of practice and ongoing efforts to make improvements.

Cllr Oscar Ford, cabinet member for children and young people, said: "Taking quick and urgent action to turn around how we work with children has been paramount for the council.

"The report details six recommendations and these were used to develop the focus of our improvement plan."

The improvement plan involves the appointment of a Department for Education (DfE) improvement advisor, the establishment of an officer improvement board, and a cross-party oversight board.

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A workforce restructure and a recruitment programme are also part of the plan, along with submitting an improvement plan to Ofsted and the DfE.

More than £11 million has also been allocated to children’s services in 2024-2025 to handle the expected growth, while the implementation of the plan is expected to cost an additional £5 million.

Cllr Ford said the improvement plan was developed through collaboration with partners including headteachers, health bodies, the police, and the wider council workforce.

He added: "We also received feedback from parent carers and children and young people to help us to ensure the plan is robust and our services are made fit for purpose to improve the outcomes for local children."