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Services for children in Camden have been given top rating in their most thorough inspection ever, published today, Tuesday 6 May 2008. A comprehensive two-week external review of all children's services provided by Camden Council, health services, police and probation services and public funded services provided by voluntary bodies, rated them "outstanding" for management of children's services. Inspection reports published since the introduction of the new style Joint Area Review in May 2007 show that Camden Council is rated joint second in the country alongside just two other authorities that also achieved four ‘four star' (excellent) ratings. The Joint Area Review is an external inspection which evaluates how all children's services in an area are working together and how they are contributing to the well-being of children and young people. The inspectors said: "Service management and the capacity to improve are both outstanding. Strong political and corporate commitment, highly productive partnerships and leadership of a very high calibre drive improvement." Work to keep children and young people safe and support for looked-after children were among the many strengths highlighted in the report. These top marks for the Council's children, schools and families department, as well as local partner agencies, contributed to the Council's overall four-star rating in the corporate assessment. Camden Council has become the first to achieve the top possible rating in the ‘harder test' corporate performance assessment, it was also announced today, Tuesday 6 May. Cllr John Bryant, Camden Council's Executive Member for Children, said: "This is an outstanding report which demonstrates the quality of Camden's staff and the quality of all the three parties which have run Camden over the four years the inspection covered. It's down to the professionalism and dedication of all these people that services for children and young people in Camden continue to improve. "The real beneficiaries are our children and young people, who are demonstrably getting some of the very best services in the country and our commitment to providing them with a consistently excellent service remains as strong as ever." Director, Children Schools and Families, Heather Schroeder said: "I'm delighted we have achieved such high ratings in the Joint Area Review. "Since I have been in Camden I have been continually impressed by the skills and commitment of staff and managers who provide a consistently outstanding service for children young people and their families. "This assessment is a huge endorsement of the way we work together to make sure children and young people get the best possible start in life. "We will continue to find creative and innovative ways to build on our progress to ensure the highest quality services for children and families in Camden." Cllr Andrew Mennear, Executive Member for Schools, said: "This report is a real testament to the quality of Camden's children's schools and families directorate and their partners. I would like to congratulate everyone - particularly all our schools, headteachers, teachers and support staff - who contributed to making Camden's children's services among the best. Well done to all." http://www.camden.gov.uk/ |
