Services for young people 'excellent'
The council's services for children and young people have been judged to be excellent according to the latest findings of external inspectors and auditors.
A detailed review by inspectors from Ofsted, the Audit Commission and the Healthcare Commission gave the council the maximum score of four stars. They concluded:
The council consistently delivers excellent services for children and young people.
Executive member for children and young people Cllr Kathy Tracey said:
We are absolutely determined to give all our youngsters the best possible start in life – to keep them safe and healthy, to provide a good education, good leisure activities, good training opportunities when they are older and ensure that those who are vulnerable or at risk in any way are properly protected and looked after.
Key Findings:
- An excellent variety of recreational facilities is available to children and young people with expansion of high-quality play provision Young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities make at least good progress at all stages of their compulsory education and the council has the lowest level of young people aged 16-18 not in education, employment or training in London.
- Pupils make good progress at all stages of their compulsory education. There is a strong commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable groups, in particular black and minority ethnic groups. There is very good leadership for school improvement and tackling underachievement.
- Most children say they feel safe. Concerns amongst older children about bullying, the use of weapons and gang cultures are being effectively addressed by the council.
- Service management in children's services is good with outstanding capacity of senior officers, staff and elected members. The council's capacity to improve is outstanding. Children and young people are an integral part of the vision and ambition for the council. Strong and visible leadership is evident. Services are having a strong impact on improving life opportunities and narrowing the gap between the achievement and well-being of the most vulnerable and others.
You can read the full report at www.ofsted.gov.uk