The overall effectiveness of City of York Council's children services has been rated 'outstanding' (Grade 4) in the Annual Performance Assessment by Ofsted, which places it among the very best in the country.

In order to achieve its overall rating, the council was assessed on the extent to which children and young people were supported in the following five key areas:

Being healthy - Good (Grade 3)
Staying safe - Outstanding (Grade 4)
Enjoying and achieving - Outstanding (Grade 4)
Making a positive contribution - Outstanding (Grade 4)
Achieving economic wellbeing - Outstanding Grade 4)

Ofsted found that the council 'has sustained and further improved the quality of its services for children and young people, against a continuing background of low level funding'. It also noted that 'the outcomes for education and for social care are outstanding in nearly all aspects' and that 'standards in schools are above average and contribute considerably to the economic well-being of young people'. The inspection process also concluded that prospects for further improvement are 'outstanding'.

The 2007 Annual Performance Assessment (APA) was based on the council's refreshed Children and Young People's Plan, as well as evidence and briefings provided to inspectors. This continuing progress reflects the strength of partnership working between key statutory agencies, and the community and voluntary sector.

The APA rating contributes to the council's overall government rating for 2007 and  helps to define the areas that will be investigated in February 2008 in the Joint Area Review, which is also led by Ofsted and further evaluates how well local services for children and young people work together.

Director of Children's Services for the council, Pete Dwyer, said: "We are really pleased with our 2007 APA rating from Ofsted, and feel that it is just reward for the hard work and commitment of the entire team. However, because we are in the business of improving life chances, we can never afford to rest on our laurels. We aspire to the very best outcomes for all children and young people in the city - they deserve nothing less."