Ofsted report praises Hackney’s support for care leavers

Hackney’s care leavers benefit from “warm, trusting and purposeful relationships” with staff who are ambitious for them and committed to helping them thrive as they transition into adulthood. 

This is the first in a list of headlines in a report released today by Ofsted, following a focused visit by inspectors earlier this summer. The inspection, which focused specifically on the experiences and outcomes of care leavers, commended the service for its dedication to delivering essential support for some of the borough’s most vulnerable young people.

Ofsted found that the service has strengthened since the last full inspection in July 2024. The entire council treats supporting care leavers as a priority. The service’s systemic, trauma-informed and anti-racist approach is part of everyday practice. Staff understand and care about the young people’s identities, experiences and independence, and encourage and support them to fulfil their ambitions. Leaders actively seek young people’s views and use their feedback to shape the service. 

Inspectors particularly praised the success of Sonder Space, the care leavers hub that opened in June 2025, in providing a stable, welcoming place for care leavers. Young people use this space to receive practical advice, develop friendships, take part in activities, and access support without the formality of appointments.

We are delighted that Ofsted has recognised the strength of the relationships we have built with our care leavers. We want to thank all our service leads, frontline staff, social workers, and partners, who show up for these young people every single day, and who have made these improvements possible. 

We know that consistency is the foundation of effective support. We are fully committed to ensuring that all the young people in our care have everything they need to reach their full potential and pursue the ambitions that matter to them most.

Cllr Soraya Adejare, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Early Intervention

The full inspection report can be read on the Ofsted website.