We were delighted that Ofsted recognised the many improvements we have made in our children’s services, which was rated as ‘good’ in a recent inspection. Inspectors found the service has improved in most areas since the previous ‘good’ rating in 2020, and that the council’s leadership ‘strongly advocate’ for Croydon’s children and young people.

An enormous amount of work has gone into making lasting improvements in our children’s services. Despite the council’s financial difficulties, and an increased demand for and cost of services, support for children in care and for care leavers have improved and are now rated as ‘good’. This result is good news for Croydon and testament to the hard work and dedication of our children’s services staff. They work tirelessly to care for and support our children and young people, and their families, every day, often in the most difficult circumstances.

I also want to thank the children and young people who have worked with us to improve the services we provide. We will continue to listen to them. Whilst we’re delighted at this result, we are not complacent and will be stepping up the pace to provide a consistently good service and address areas that still require improvement.

Trading standards team of the year

Over the past year, Croydon has seized thousands of illicit vapes, undertaken hundreds of test purchases to stop the sale of alcohol and tobacco and vapes to children, investigated doorstep crime cases and intervened in scam cases. This has all been the work of our trading standards service, who work in our communities, protecting our residents and supporting my priority to make our borough cleaner, safer and healthier. I’m delighted they have been recognised for their achievements at the London Trading Standards Awards, where they scooped the Team of the Year award this week. Congratulations!

Day for people with disabilities

We were proud to mark International Day for People with Disabilities by raising the flag above Croydon Town Hall. We will continue to work with our partners to promote the rights of people with disabilities and to make our communities more inclusive.

Dementia friendly screenings

David Lean Cinema continues to offer dementia friendly screenings, during December and early next year. The cinema, accessed via Croydon Clocktower, is an accredited dementia friendly venue and the volunteers have been trained by the Alzheimer’s Society. Find out more.

A Very Croydon Christmas

Our festive celebrations start today with a carol concert a Braithwaite Hall, led by a brass quintet from the London Mozart Players, followed by a neon lights installation in The Queen’s Gardens. There are lots of activities over the weekend as part of this year’s A Very Croydon Christmas, so do come along. See the Culture Croydon website for more information.

Have a good weekend.

Jason Perry

Executive Mayor of Croydon