Sutton’s children services department has received a top Ofsted report.

Sutton’s Children, Young People and Learning Department scored the maximum grade – “performing excellently” – for its overall provision and services for youngsters in the borough.

Sutton is one of just 28 of the 152 local authorities with responsibility for children’s services judged to be excellent.

The children’s services watchdog highlighted Sutton’s success in narrowing the gap between the achievements of young people from different backgrounds.

The report states that schools and nurseries have improved and young people with special needs in Sutton do better than their national counterparts.