City of York Council is celebrating today after independent inspectors hailed its services for children and young people as 'Outstanding'.

Ofsted awarded the team the maximum of four points, classed as outstanding/excellent,  in all of the seven categories that were assessed - performance result which few if any other local authorities will achieve.

The evaluation is based on the results of independent assessments, a review of the council's Children's and Young People's Plan and the authority's own assessment of its services. Significantly, Ofsted also used the outcomes of the major inspection of children's services in York conducted earlier in the year which did include considerable direct fieldwork by a team of inspectors into the reality of local service provision.
Ofsted stated that the council 'consistently delivers outstanding services…and has built on significant achievements to further its outstanding provision. It has maintained its outstanding outcomes for enjoying and achieving, staying safe, making a positive contribution and achieving economic well-being.'
They particularly highlighted:'… the continued upward trend in learners' educational attainment across all key stages, when figures are already above national average; the overall quality of childcare and the improvement in young children's development; the quality of the schools; and the preparation for young people for adult life, with nearly all young people leaving school entering further employment, education or training.'
The report also rates that the capacity of services for children and young people in the city to improve as 'outstanding'. It also praises the leadership team, saying that '…they have clear priorities for continued improvement, established through extensive consultation, and enjoy strong partnerships and support…'

Pete Dwyer, director of Learning, Culture and Children's Services at City of York Council, said: "I'm delighted that our services for children and young people in York have been rated as amongst  the very best in the country. I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the tremendously commitment of staff across the service whose contribution is the basis for achieving this type of excellence."