Wigan Council children’s

services officers are welcoming the latest assessment from government

regulators Ofsted.

In a report to Nick Hudson,

executive director of children and young people’s services, Ofsted states that

Wigan is at level 3 and performing well.  “The very large majority of

services are good or better,” the report says. 

In national tests, the

borough’s 11 year olds achieve as well as their peers elsewhere, as do 16 year

olds taking GCSEs and the gap between most of them and those with special

educational needs is closing.  Absence rates have halved, drink and drug

use has declined and the report noted that secondary school children’s

behaviour was “good or outstanding.”

Ofsted’s divisional manager

Juliet Winstanley notes in her report improvements in breastfeeding rates and a

small increase in sporting activity amongst young people. 

There was praise for the

sensitive area of child protection.  Ms Winstanley said: “The unannounced

inspection of front-line child protection services, conducted in October 2010,

highlighted the good partnership working between a range of agencies. 

This is leading to timely and effective safeguarding of children living in

families with domestic abuse; to a significant reduction in the number of

referrals to children’s services for family support; and to more effective

targeting of social care resources.”

The report identified that

Wigan should further develop childminding, as well as the performance of

secondary students who receive free school meals.  Ofsted also recommend

the council increase the number of young people from low-income families who

gain qualifications at the age of 19.

In a meeting of the full

council this week, champion for young people Cllr Susan Loudon praised staff,

governors and head teachers for their work improving literacy standards in

schools.

Cllr Loudon says: “Ofted’s

report is a welcome morale boost for everyone involved in teaching or caring

for young people in our borough.  I recognise the picture it paints of the

high standards and professionalism and congratulate staff, carers, partners and

officers for there achievement.

“The report rightly praises

our successes and says we have ambitious targets and priorities, and we will

work hard to continue to deliver them.  The report does note that

‘national developments’ means things need to be reviewed and we are all well

aware of financial constraints.  I am sure though that working together –

and this means with all parents, too – we can continue to ensure great support

for our young people in a caring, safe and academically fulfilling

environment.”

Executive director Nick

Hudson adds: “For the third consecutive year Wigan Council’s Children’s

Services assessment has been judged by Ofsted as performing well.  We are

delighted to have maintained this inspection rating.”

Mr Hudson adds:

“Encouragingly, Ofsted also said that ‘Outcomes for children and young people

continue to improve in this local authority’ – however, we are not complacent

and will continue to focus on improving our performance.”

Ofsted’s assessment was

carried out in accordance with section 138 of the Education and Inspectors Act

2006.