Westminster children's services praised

Services for safeguarding and for looked after children are good, while the department was also said to be 'underpinned by strong strategic leadership, clear vision and highly effective community engagement'.

Overall the council's children services annual performance was rated as good, with three areas classes as outstanding.

Westminster was also congratulated for its adoption rate and support for looked after children and minority ethnic groups.

Educational achievement across all key stages is generally showing year on year improvement, especially at Key Stage 4, the report said.

Ofsted recognised achievement in the following areas:

* Being healthy (grade 4). The proportion of children participating in sport or physical education has increased substantially and was graded as outstanding.

* Staying safe (grade 3). Highly effective management processes have ensured that the number of looked after children continues to decline.

* Enjoying and achieving (grade 3). The report said the progress of pupils from minority ethnic groups had improved and is good. Targeted support for secondary schools has had a significant impact.

* Making a positive contribution (grade 4). The number of young people taking part in volunteering is high.

*Achieving economic well-being (grade 3). The report said participation of care leavers in employment, education or training by age 19 is very good.

*Capacity to improve including the management of children's services was rated as outstanding (grade 4). Ofsted said Westminster has excellent partnership arrangements with a strong track record of delivering better outcomes and had a good capacity for self-review.

Westminster Council's cabinet member for children's services Cllr Sarah Richardson said: "I am delighted with this assessment and this report recognises all the consistent hard work by staff across the department and the high standards they work to.

"This is an important achievement by the team and demonstrates our commitment to give children and young people the best possible start in life."