Services for children and young people among best in country

11.13.00am GMT Tue 8th Jan 2008

• SERVICES for children and young people in Richmond upon Thames are 'outstanding', Government inspectors have announced.

Work to improve the outcomes and quality of life for children, young people and their families was praised as Richmond Council and its partners gained the maximum four out of four score in the recently published Joint Area Review (JAR). Carried out by Ofsted in April and May last year, the review measured how well the Council and its partners work to deliver services to children and young people. Inspectors concluded that "services for looked after children are outstanding", while services for those with learning difficulties or disabilities are "excellent." It also praised "effective action" taken to raise school standards which has led to improvements across all key stages. Inspectors also rated arrangements to keep young people safe as outstanding, noting a low incidence of bullying in schools. Older students are also well prepared for work or further education, with schools and colleges offering a wide range of vocational courses, the report added.

Cllr Malcolm Eady, Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education, said: "This is an excellent result that ranks local care for children and young people among the best in the country. I am delighted the inspectors recognised the superb provision for young residents, particularly those with learning difficulties or disabilities and those looked after by the local authority. It is also very pleasing that efforts to raise standards in our secondary schools - one of the Council's top priorities - were praised. I would like to thank Council staff and also all of our partners for their hard work and commitment to improving the lives of children and young people in our borough. However, while this is a hugely positive report, there are areas in which we need to improve and I would like to assure people that steps are already being taken to raise our standards even higher."