Ofsted has compiled another positive report on Swindon Borough Council’s Children’s Services department following its latest assessment.
The annual children’s services assessment has graded Swindon’s department as ‘performing well’ with a number of strengths highlighted.
The overall score, which is the same as last year, takes into account previous inspections throughout the year including the arrangements for making sure children are safe and stay safe. Swindon Borough Council was scored a ‘3’ on a 4-point scale, which describes it as an organisation that exceeds minimum requirements.
The assessment says the large majority of services, settings and institutions inspected by Ofsted are good or better and the very large majority of provision helps children and young people stay safe and enjoy learning.
The report also points to this year’s unannounced inspection of contact, referral and assessment arrangements for children in need and children who may be in need of protection which found a number of strengths and areas for development, as well as many areas that meet requirements.
Of the strengths highlighted in the overall assessment, particular reference has been made to the large majority of day care providers and the very large majority of provision for children under five in nurseries and primary schools which are good or better.
The fact that three quarters of Swindon’s primary schools are good or outstanding and that standards at Key Stage 2 are in line with the national average were also highlighted as strengths. Improvements in Key Stage 4 standards were also praised as was the local authority’s support in raising the standard of the borough’s pupil referral unit to satisfactory.
Post 16 education in Swindon is also rated as good or better, and the attainment gap between young people from low income backgrounds and the majority at the age of 19 has narrowed over the last two years.
The council’s adoption service is outstanding and the fostering service is good, while the provision for looked after children used by the local authority is good or outstanding.
The achievement of those between the ages of 16 and 19 is below the average for similar areas and was highlighted as an area for improvement as were the delays in completing assessments for children in need and those who may be in need of protection.
The town also has a third of its childminding provision rated as satisfactory, which is not as good as in similar areas or nationally.
Cllr David Renard, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Children’s Services in Swindon continue to go from strength to strength despite the challenging times we are living through.
“This means we are well placed to adapt to the changes in Government policy while still providing good quality services and support for our young people.
“However, we have noted Ofsted’s comments about the areas in need of further improvement and we will work hard to address them.”