Children’s Services still performing well - OFSTED

The education watchdog has just published a favourable rating of the quality of services the Council provides for the borough's younger residents. Inspectors reported that:

• a large majority of all types of services, settings and institutions inspected by Ofsted were 'good or better'
• much of the childcare in the borough and many of the primary schools was 'good or better'
• the quality of secondary schools had improved in the last year, with two more being judged 'good' in their most recent inspections
• a relatively high number were outstanding
• an unannounced inspection of front-line child protection services found much that was strong and no issues that appeared to be putting children whose circumstances were vulnerable at risk of harm
• morale was high among social workers and there was a strong commitment to continually improving front line services
• child care, nurseries, schools and other services and institutions were good at helping children and young people to do well and enjoy their learning
• examination results at 16 continued to improve strongly
• there had been a very large reduction in young people offending for the first time
• the number of young people who took no part in any education or training (NEETS) had fallen and was much lower than in similar areas and
• good partnership work was demonstrated through the continuing success in reducing teenage pregnancies and the impact of preventative action to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Corporate Director of Children and Learning, Paul Greenhalgh, said: "This assessment reflects the terrific work being undertaken across the whole spectrum of Children's Services.

"We have not just maintained but managed to build on our good performance from last year in a very wide range of areas.

"However, we won't be resting on our laurels and will be taking note of all the comments made by the inspectors and seeing how we can continue to develop this officially-recognised success."

The Council's Executive Councillor for Children and Learning, Councillor Roger Hadley, said: "Congratulations to our children and young people, to our partners and to our staff for all working together to achieve such commendable results. It is very pleasing to see improvements reported in so many areas."