Hackney’s support for young people leaving care has been positively assessed by Ofsted after a focused inspection earlier this summer. Inspectors found the borough’s care leavers benefit from “warm, trusting and purposeful relationships” with staff who are committed to helping them transition into adulthood.
Inspectors note improvements since 2024
The report, published on 23 July 2026, states the service has strengthened since the last full inspection in July 2024. Ofsted highlighted that the whole council treats support for care leavers as a priority and that staff apply a systemic, trauma-informed and anti-racist approach as part of everyday practice.
"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."
Inspectors praised staff awareness of young people’s identities and experiences and the encouragement given to young people to pursue their ambitions. Leaders were also recognised for actively seeking the views of young people and using their feedback to shape services.
Sonder Space singled out
The report specifically commends Sonder Space, the care leavers hub that opened in June 2025. Inspectors said the hub provides a stable, welcoming place where care leavers can access practical advice, develop friendships, take part in activities and get support without formal appointments.
- Ofsted visited the service earlier in summer 2026 and published its findings on 23 July 2026.
- The inspection focused on the experiences and outcomes of care leavers.
- Sonder Space opened in June 2025 and was highlighted as an important resource by inspectors.
The council responded by welcoming the report and thanking staff, service leads, social workers and partners for their work with care leavers. Cllr Soraya Adejare, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Early Intervention, said the council is committed to consistency and ensuring young people have what they need to reach their potential.
| Inspection | Comment |
|---|---|
| Focused visit (summer 2026) | Found strong relationships, trauma-informed practice, and improvements since 2024 |
| Sonder Space (opened June 2025) | Recognised as a stable, welcoming hub offering practical and informal support |
For local residents and community organisations, the report underlines the importance of continued partnership working to sustain the improvements noted by Ofsted. The full inspection report is available on the Ofsted website for anyone wanting to read the detailed findings and recommendations.
This assessment offers reassurance that targeted support for care leavers in Hackney is being delivered with sensitivity and ambition, while emphasising that ongoing attention and consistency remain central to success.
