Council praised in assessment of children’s services

Rochdale Borough Council has been praised by Ofsted in their annual performance assessment of children’s services departments nationwide. The authority was judged to be ‘good’ and given a Grade 3 rating, with Ofsted concluding that the council provides a service that delivers above the minimum requirements for young people.

Management and capacity were classed as good, and solid partnership working was said to be contributing to improvements in the health of children and young people. The findings show their school improvement service provides good support to schools to raise standards.

The council was also commended for their child and adolescent mental health services, health services for looked after children and the adoption service. Ofsted said that all children on the child protection register are allocated to suitably qualified social workers and reviews are held on time.

Executive Director Terry Piggott said that safeguarding children and young people in the borough is a top priority for the council and other agencies: “In the most part, this is a pleasing result, but clearly we still have a number of areas for development. We will continue our relentless focus on doing the best we possibly can, at every level.”

Ofsted acknowledged the continuing trend in GCSE results – above the national average, with a significant increase in young people getting at least five good GCSE’s including English and Maths. They were also pleased with the ways in which the council consults with young people and allows them to contribute.