Ealing Liberal Democrats are calling for urgent scrutiny of Ealing Council’s response to concerns raised by Ofsted over children’s services, saying the issue should be considered at the next scrutiny panel meeting next month (24 November 2026).
Councillor Adam Keenan, the party’s shadow spokesperson for children’s services, has called for the next Children’s Services Scrutiny Panel meeting to focus on the steps taken by Labour-run Ealing Council following Ofsted’s findings.
But Councillor Hodan Haili, chair of the children’s services scrutiny panel, has told EALING.NEWS that the November meeting already has a “substantial agenda” and that the March 2027 meeting may provide a more suitable opportunity for a “comprehensive examination of the Ofsted findings”.
Ofsted published the findings of its focused visit to Ealing Council’s children’s services on 31 July 2026.
Inspectors raised concerns over the quality and impact of management oversight and found that some areas identified as needing improvement during the council’s previous inspection in 2024 remained.
Unlike a full inspection, the focused visit did not result in a new overall rating. Ealing Council’s children’s services remain rated “good” overall following an inspection in 2024.
EALING.NEWS reported on the findings in August, when the council said it was drawing up an action plan to address the issues identified by inspectors.
Councillor Keenan said: “Two years ago, Ofsted pointed to persistent failings in leadership at Ealing Council, putting vulnerable children at risk of harm. These findings seem to have been ignored; now, finally, Ealing Labour has submitted a plan to fix their mess.
“Ealing Liberal Democrats believe it is in the public interest to shine a light on Ealing Labour’s plan, considering the urgency and importance of the changes that are needed, and the seriousness of Ofsted’s findings. I have called for this to be done through an urgent scrutiny process, with November’s Children’s Services Scrutiny Committee being the earliest open opportunity.
“I fear further delay by Ealing Labour after over two years of inaction will not be in the best interests of vulnerable children who have been let to fall through the cracks. Despite holding the reins of power for the last 16 years, Ealing Labour remains complacent and cavalier.”
EALING.NEWS asked Ealing Council for an update on the action being taken following the Ofsted findings and for its response to the points raised by Ealing Liberal Democrats.
Councillor Hodan Haili, chair of the children’s services scrutiny panel, told EALING.NEWS: “The Ofsted findings are of the utmost importance to me and I am fully committed to ensuring that they receive the thorough and meaningful scrutiny they deserve.
“The November meeting already has a substantial agenda, with several important items that would be difficult to reschedule. The March 2027 meeting may therefore provide a more suitable opportunity for the Panel to undertake a comprehensive examination of the Ofsted findings, consider the actions being taken and ensure that appropriate recommendations and measurable improvements are identified.
“Above all, we must remember that the Ofsted findings directly affect the children, young people and families we serve. They deserve a properly planned and thorough scrutiny process that delivers accountability, identifies clear actions and leads to tangible improvements in the services they receive.
“As chair, I take this responsibility extremely seriously and remain fully committed to ensuring that the Panel carries out its role effectively, independently and in the best interests of our children and families.”
Speaking to EALING.NEWS, Ealing Council said it was now delivering an action plan agreed with Ofsted.
An Ealing Council spokesperson said: “Protecting the borough’s most vulnerable children and families and improving their outcomes is our absolute priority. We took immediate steps to address the issues raised during Ofsted’s visit and are now focused on delivering an action plan, agreed with them, at rapid pace. Inspectors found strengths in several areas of our service, including partnership working and the commitment of our workforce, and we are building on these as we strengthen our practice across the board.”
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