REDBRIDGE Council has become the first authority in the country to receive a ‘good’ rating for its child protection services under a new Ofsted inspection regime that began in May.

Ofsted inspectors praised the council for protecting and keeping children and young people in the borough safe from harm.

Since the last full Ofsted report in January 2010, the council has recruited 33 additional social workers, and the report noted a significant investment in staff and resources.

Inspectors also highlighted the speed at which enquiries from people concerned about children are dealt with and praised social workers for being sensitive to the cultural needs of children.

Councillor Alan Weinberg, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “This new Ofsted inspection regime is extremely tough.

“To  be the first authority in the country to be judged as good for our child protection services is a testament to the way in which our staff carry out their roles with care and empathy while following strict procedures.”