More children in the borough are now living in safe and stable homes, with the number in care falling significantly over the past 5 years.
New data from Ealing Council shows the rate of children in care has dropped by around a quarter, from 41 per 10,000 children in 2021/22 to 31 per 10,000 at the start of this year.
At the end of January 2026, there were 258 children in care in the borough. This remains well below the most recent national figure published by the Department for Education of 67 per 10,000 children (2024/2025).
The figures point to a positive trend, with more families in the borough receiving support to stay together safely and more children able to live in stable home environments.
Demand for help from children’s services remains high but, despite this, most assessments are still completed within the required timescale, and child protection visits and reviews are taking place on schedule.
More stable placements
Children who do enter care are also experiencing greater stability.
Around 11% of children experienced 3 or more placement moves between January 2025 and January 2026, meaning the majority stayed in the same home throughout the year or moved only once.
More children living with family
A growing number of children are now living with people they already know and have existing relationships with. Over the past 2 years, the percentage of children living with relatives or close family friends has increased from 9% to 16%. This is known as kinship care.
Meanwhile, long‑term foster homes have also increased from 37% to 47% over the same period, giving more children a stable and consistent home life.
Listening to young people
Young people are also becoming more comfortable sharing their views with social workers. Many are using the Mind of My Own app, which allows them to send secure messages to their worker about how they feel and what support they need.
Use of the app has recently grown, with dozens of messages sent each month. This feedback helps the council gain a better understanding about children’s experiences and improve support where needed.
‘Real progress’
Councillor Blerina Hashani, the council’s cabinet member for a fairer start, said: “These figures show real progress in our plans to ensure more children are in safe and stable homes, with more staying close to home with relatives or long-term carers. This will have real impact on their wellbeing in future. More young people are also sharing their views with us in ways that are shaping their care.
“We will continue to focus on giving every child in the borough the safety, stability and support they need to thrive.”
