Richmond's social care for children has been given a 'good' rating by inspectors.

According to an Ofsted report released last Friday, one-in-ten children in Richmond live in low-income families, with 10 per cent of secondary and seven per cent of primary aged children entitled to free school meals.

And, as of August 31 this year, 103 children were being looked after by the local authority, as opposed to living with their birth parents.

Ofsted generally rated social care for children in Richmond well in its latest report, giving a ‘Good’ rating, and stated “children looked after live in good quality placements that meet their needs”.

However, the report added that “too many of them live out of area due to the shortage of local foster placements”. 81 children (or 79 per cent) currently live outside the local authority area.

Ofsted added that emergency planning for children’s social care could be improved.

Although the report praised how well Richmond Council matches families with children for adoption, it noted that vulnerable birth parents are “not always” supported, which ultimately can lead to their future children going into care.

In twelve months, only five adoptions took place for children in care in the Richmond borough.

Ofsted advised that “rationale for permanence plans for children looked after is clearly recorded. This should include the clear consideration of why adoption is not the preferred plan.”

Councillor Paul Hodgins, Leader of Richmond Council, said: “Ofsted’s Good rating means Richmond is judged to be one of the highest-performing children’s services departments in the country.

“However, we are not resting on our laurels. We know that there is room for improvement and we will now focus on those areas.”