Liverpool's children’s services praised

Dec 5 2007 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL council’s children’s services department has been rated a “good” three out of four by Ofsted.

The inspectorate said the council is making a “significant contribution” to improving the achievement and well-being of children and young people, and consistently delivering above minimum requirements.

The report praises the work to improve the health of children, highlighting the city’s “clear and challenging” childhood obesity plan.

A number of council schemes, including the Healthy Schools programme and Health Mates initiative, are praised for the impact they are having on young people.

The service is also praised for improving educational attainment at a faster pace than nationally – in particular at GCSE level, where the number of youngsters getting five A*-C grades increased from 50% in 2005 to 55% in 2006.

The very latest figures – for the 2007 GCSEs – show that Liverpool has rocketed even further, with 61% achieving GCSE A*-C – just 2% behind the national average.

Cllr Paul Clein, executive member for children’s services, said: “We continue to make good progress in the services we provide for children and young people, and this positive report from Ofsted is testament to the excellent work that has been going on over the past 12 months.

“Our staff deserve congratulations.”