Top marks for Gateshead council

Dec 19 2008 by Sam Wood, The Journal

GATESHEAD Council is one of only three in the country to have received top marks from Government inspectors for their services for children and young people.

Gateshead scored “outstanding” in every single category measured by the Ofsted inspectors. The service was particularly praised for its overall effectiveness and strategic leadership, with outstanding capacity to improve. The report stated that: “Gateshead has one of the best levels of improvement in England across a wide range of service areas. Well developed strategic partnerships and Children’s Trust arrangements, with clear leadership by Children’s Services, continue to develop highly effective area partnerships and multi-agency working.”

Inspectors also noted that: “High standards have, on the whole, been maintained and enhanced across a range of services. Child protection processes are strong and very effective.” Coun Catherine Donovan, cabinet member for children and young people at Gateshead Council, said: “We really value the quality of our services for children and young people and to have them recognised in this way is excellent news.”

Northumberland County Council’s children’s services department was given a positive rating by Ofsted inspectors.

The service was rated as good in four categories, and outstanding in the other three. Three areas rated as outstanding include staying safe, making a positive contribution and capacity to improve.

Yesterday Trevor Doughty, executive director for children’s services, said: “The report demonstrates that we have identified where we needed to improve, and have made those improvements.”