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Kent County Council is an outstanding manager of services
for children and young people in the county.
Equally as outstanding is the ability for the council and its
partners to improve those services even more.
That's the finding of an Ofsted Joint Area Review, which places
Kent among the top performing authorities in the country with only
one other county achieving a good rating.
A team of inspectors undertook a rigorous review of key services
provided to children and young people by KCC and partner agencies
including health, the voluntary and community sector and district
councils. Customers were interviewed, individual cases examined and
councillors and staff were quizzed on their roles and
responsibilities.
Ofsted's report compliments the management of the services,
which is backed up with clear political direction. It recognises an
impressive track record of dealing with problems while maintaining
good value for money and the clear commitment to improving the
lives of looked after children, and supporting children and young
people with learning difficulties or disabilities.
In an ever competitive economic world, the inspectors welcomed
the strong strategy for 14 to 19 year olds with more young people
than ever in education, employment or training.
Educational attainment is continuing to improve with schools
serving the most deprived communities improving faster than the
rest. With national focus on the 14 to 19 curriculum, Kent's extent
and pace of improvement is described as impressive.
Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education Standards
Chris
Wells said: "I am delighted that the skill, commitment and
enthusiasm of all those working to improve the life chances of
children and young people in Kent has been recognised by the
inspectors.
"We know there is more to be done, so it is especially
heartening that inspectors have confidence in our ability to
improve even further. They have clearly recognised the moral
philosophy that underpins all our work."
Managing Director for Children, Families and Education Graham
Badman said: "The inspection findings are a huge tribute to the
hard work and dedication of staff throughout children services
within KCC and partner organisations. I am delighted for them but
more so for the young people of Kent."
Read the
full report on the Ofsted website (link
opens in a new window). |