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Hello Everyone,
What a week of excitement it’s been here at the Council with the fantastic news that our Children’s Services have officially achieved ‘outstanding’ across all areas following the Ofsted inspection which took place back in November 2025.
This ‘outstanding’ designation is such an accolade, recognising the dedication of the Children’s Services team, who work in our Children and Young People’s directorate here at the Council. It’s reflective of the commitment I have to our younger generations: to make Newham a great place for them, which has been one of my top priorities since I was elected Mayor way back in 2018.
Back then, Children’s Services were rated as ‘requires improvement’ and then rated inadequate. We’ve worked hard since then to turn around the service, gaining ‘good’ back in 2022, and now this ‘outstanding’ rating for the first time ever. With this outstanding accolade, we are now one of only six councils in London gaining this achievement.
It exemplifies a core part of my Building a Fairer Newham mission - driving excellent services for all our residents, across all ages. It’s taken a while, like turning a big, mighty oil tanker, but we are getting there.
Our progress for our people is a demonstration of who we are as a Council: principled, passionate and ambitious, with a laser focus on better and fairer outcomes for our residents; and a council our residents can be proud of.
A special thanks to Cabinet member lead Cllr Sarah Ruiz, who has been such a champion for the service and all our local children, and of course, all our dedicated children’s social workers.
You can read the Ofsted report here, which highlights Newham Council’s commitment to listening to children’s voices in planning and decision making, alongside our deep understanding of our diverse communities. Plus read the statement we issued here, and you can watch a short video about it here too.
Supporting children and young people is my purposeful mission, that’s why we have excellent early years services, great educational outcomes, and nationally recognised youth services in Newham. All promoted to ensure our youngsters achieve their potential through a raft of opportunities. There’s more to do to help address youth unemployment, which is what we are also laser-focused on pushing forward with. More on that next week!
Until then, take good care and look after yourself and your loved ones.
Best wishes,
Rokhsana Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE Follow what I am up to via X/Twitter: @rokhsanafiaz |
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Newham’s children’s services rated outstanding in all areas
Ofsted has rated Newham’s Children’s Services as ‘outstanding’ across all areas, following an inspection last year.
The inspectors found children in need of help and protection.
They noted those in care and those who are care leavers receive excellent support and benefit from very stable relationships with their workers who know them extremely well.
The report says: “Children in Newham continue to benefit from consistently effective services that improve and enhance their experiences. Since the last inspection in 2022, when the overall effectiveness judgement was good, senior leaders have continued to strengthen and improve services to benefit children and their families."
This is an opportunity to remind you that if you are worried about a child, please contact our Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub on 0303 373 4600.
If you need to urgently speak with someone after 5pm or during the weekend, please contact our Emergency Duty Team on 020 8430 2000.
Read more about the report's findings >
Find information on how to become a foster carer >
Apply for a job in Children's Services > |
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| Have your say on our draft budget for 2026/27
Our draft budget is aimed at creating the pathway to financial sustainability and delivering a Fairer Newham.
Key headlines include: - Council Tax being kept low
- Weekly food waste collections
- Smarter use of our buildings
We want to know what you think ahead of the final budget being pulled together.
All comments will be shared with the Mayor, her Cabinet, and Council officers as they prepare the final budget.
You can have your say on the current draft budget until Monday, February 2.
View the draft budget and tell us what you think > |
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Two Newham Tube stations shortlisted for step-free access
Plaistow and Upton Park Underground stations have been shortlisted by Transport for London (TfL) for the next round of feasibility studies into step-free access.
The studies will look at whether step-free access could be possible at the two stations, which currently present challenges for disabled passengers, older residents, and people travelling with buggies or luggage.
Being shortlisted does not mean the upgrades have been approved or funded.
In July, Newham Council’s Chief Executive wrote to TfL to strongly support the case for step-free access at Upton Park.
Read more about the proposals for step-free access > |
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| Man named BetterPoints’ latest Move More Motivator
Arslan from Little Ilford is celebrating after being praised by BetterPoints for his commitment to moving his body more, since downloading the app.
He’s been named a ‘Move More Motivator’ thanks to the change in his activity habits.
He said: “I like that the app makes it easy to track my activity and see my progress, and the challenge adds extra motivation.
“Since using the app, I’ve become more intentional and consistent with my walking, making sure to fit more movement into my day.”
Arslan has seen huge benefits from making simple changes, including better mood, less stress, more energy, and improved physical fitness.
He added: “Getting outside more often has had a positive impact on both my mental and physical well-being."
Download BetterPoints App and unlock rewards > |
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Making the borough’s transport networks safer
New transport safety improvements will be presented to Newham Council Cabinet (Tuesday 20 January) next week.
The Council was awarded £4.5m from Transport for London for the delivery of projects in the current financial year, with a further £1.6m being bid for in 2026/7.
Among the projects being looked at will be: - Improvements to the Connaught Bridge area which acts as a hub for several active travel routes converging in the centre of the Royal Docks
- A new crossing of Silvertown Way at Canning Town roundabout
- An eastern extension to the Royal Docks Corridor
Other improvements across the borough include major healthy streets projects on the Leyton Road, Barking Road, and Woolwich Manor Way corridors.
There are also smaller projects including the Water Lane crossing, multiple School Streets, cycle parking, and continued support for cycle training, and Play Streets being considered.
Read more about making our borough's transport network safer > |
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| Make 2026 the year you really give up smoking
If you promised yourself that you'd make 2026 smoke free, congrats! You're over half way through month one.
And if you are a typical smoker, you have already saved yourself more than £100.
But if you are struggling remember Quit Well Newham is on your side.
Giving up is no easy task, but you already know that.
And chances are you know too, the benefits such as: - Saving money
- Improving health
- Making the environment for the children and others around you better
Quit Well Newham offers free expert advice.
Also, by quitting smoking for at least 28 days, you are five times more likely to remain smoke-free.
Find more information about the FREE Stop Smoking support available > |
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Our Newham: Empowering residents and businesses with confidential advice and support
Our Newham is the council’s service exclusively for Newham residents supporting you across five programmes: Money, Work, Business & Enterprise, Learning & Skills and Youth.
From helping residents maximise their income and kickstarting career journeys to supporting local businesses and start-ups, find out how Our Newham can help give you the boost you need at: www.newham.gov.uk/ournewham or come and visit us at 112-118 The Grove, E15 1NS
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Copyright © 2026 London Borough of Newham, All rights reserved. |
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Our mailing address is: London Borough of Newham, Newham Dockside, 1000 Dockside Road, London, E16 2QU. |
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