We’re getting better but need to improve

OLDHAM Council’s services for children and young people have been rated “adequate” by inspectors — though good progress has been made.

The 2008 annual performance assessment (APA) from Ofsted awarded the second-lowest Grade 2 for its performance, although four out of six areas achieved a Grade 3 Good rating with the other two adequate.

It concluded that “good progress has been made in tackling some areas for improvement”.

Council chiefs said they were disappointed with the rating but delighted that the authority’s ambition to improve the lives of Oldham’s youngsters had been recognised.

Importantly, inspectors noted that the council has improved against the ‘staying safe’ judgement with a 2008 grade of ‘good’.

Highlights included inspectors recognising that “outstanding multi-agency action” had helped the borough to reduce the number of teenage pregnancies among 15-17-year -olds by 32.8 per cent since 1998, significantly bettering the national 13.3 per cent.

They also recognised that effective safeguarding arrangements are in place and that children receive good quality care through the council’s outstanding fostering service.

Inspectors also praised the significant improvements that have been made in young people’s achievements, particularly at GCSE and A-Level.

The borough’s Children and Young People Plan is also “well-informed by the views of children and young people and suitably reflects their priorities.”

The contribution to helping young people achieve economic well-being was ‘good’, an extensive range of vocational opportunities are provided to 14-16 years olds, and they praised the ‘outstanding’ quality of provision in both colleges.

Inspectors acknowledged the financial challenges the council faces and recognised that “the council’s ambition for improving services is good and well focused on raising aspirations.”

It also praised leaders for having a “good understanding of the relationship between attainment, regeneration and community cohesion.”

Cabinet member for children and young people, Councillor Kay Knox, said: “The council and its partners are committed to improving things for children, young people and their families and although the report highlights this we are disappointed with the grade 2 awarded.

“We are particularly pleased that the inspectors recognise that we are working hard to safeguard children and young people from harm and have noted the number of areas where Oldham is performing better or improving faster than the national average.

“The report also shows some areas where we already know further development is needed and we are already developing strategies to bring about necessary improvements.
“There is still a lot to do but we are moving at speed and in the right direction. I am sure that future assessments will recognise this and show the significant improvements we have made.”

The areas rated are: being healthy, staying safe, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution, and achieving economic well-being, as well as awarding a grade on services’ capacity to improve.