Kingston Council's Children's Services have been awarded the highest judgement possible by Ofsted, receiving an Outstanding rating for the second inspection in a row.

The service - delivered by Achieving for Children, a social enterprise set up by Kingston and Richmond councils in 2014 - was rated Outstanding across all five areas of assessment.

The judgement reflects the council's commitment to ensuring children and young people across the borough have a fairer start in life and providing the support and services they and their families need to live happy, healthy and successful lives.

Inspectors praised the aspirational leadership and highly effective services delivered for children across the Royal Borough of Kingston.

Services were described as ambitious and creative, and staff were praised as strong and committed advocates for children and young people. 

Ofsted - the Government's regulatory body for standards in education and children's social care - found that children and families who need support and protection in Kingston benefit from highly effective early help services, and family hubs provide an extensive range of support that is making a real difference to the lives of vulnerable young people. 

The report highlights that Kingston's Children's Services are ambitious for every child in care and celebrate their talents, achievements and the things that matter most to them.

Young people in care strongly influence the delivery and design of the services they receive and develop trusting and positive relationships with their social workers.

Kingston Council's Portfolio Holder for Children's Services including Education, Cllr Diane White, said: "I'm absolutely delighted and very proud that our Children's Services have been judged to be Outstanding by Ofsted.

"For the second consecutive time inspectors came in and could see the amazing work that goes on in our borough. 

"They could see how wonderful our staff are, how they lead the way - how their passion, kindness, dedication and compassion really make a positive difference to the lives of children and young people.

"We know there is always more to do, and we will continue to strive to deliver the very best for children and young people across Kingston, improving the lives of all and in particular the most vulnerable, despite the extremely challenging financial climate local authorities across the country are operating in."

Executive Director of Children's Services Ian Dodds said: "Ofsted's judgement that our children's services are outstanding is a brilliant achievement for everyone working in Kingston's children's services, our partners, our foster carers and our children, young people and families.

"It is a validation of the dedication, hard work and skill of our practitioners and their commitment to putting children and young people at the heart of everything we do. 

"I'm incredibly proud of the report and want to thank every person who has contributed to this success. We are not complacent, though, and will continue working to strive for excellence in all our work to improve the lives of vulnerable children and young people."

Kingston Councillor James Giles has also praised the borough's children's services for its rating.