Setting

Mr Paul Robinson Director of Education London Borough of Wandsworth Third Floor Town Hall Extension Wandsworth High Street London SW18 2PU

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Children’s services annual rating

Ofsted guidance published in May 2009 explained that the annual rating would derive from a new performance profile of the quality of services and outcomes for children and young people in each local area. This profile includes findings from across Ofsted’s inspection and regulation of services and settings for which the council has strategic or operational responsibilities, either alone or in partnership with others, together with data from the relevant Every Child Matters indicators in the new National Indicator Set (NIS).

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Children’s services annual rating

In considering the evidence in the profile to determine the children’s services rating for 2009 it has become clear that the continuing gaps in the data are significant, particularly those relating to aspects of social care and services for Looked After Children. Ofsted has decided therefore to use 2009 as a transitional year easing into the full application of the new system in 2010. As a consequence, although the performance profile remains central to Ofsted’s rating, we have interpreted the performance bands with flexibility and exercised professional judgement with caution.

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Children’s services annual rating

The annual rating derives from a four point scale:

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Children’s services annual rating

4 Performs excellently An organisation that significantly exceeds minimum requirements 3 Performs well An organisation that exceeds minimum requirements 2 Performs adequately An organisation that meets only minimum requirements 1 Performs poorly An organisation that does not meet minimum requirements

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Children’s services annual rating

Within each level there will be differing standards of provision. For example, a rating of ‘performs excellently’ does not mean all aspects of provision are perfect. Similarly, a rating of ‘performs poorly’ does not mean there are no adequate or even good aspects. Aviation House 125 Kingsway London WC2B 6SE T 08456 40 40 40 enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk www.ofsted.gov.uk Direct T 020-7421-6716 Direct F 020-7421-5715 juliet.winstanley@ofsted.gov.uk

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Children’s services rating Performs excellently (4)

Children’s services in the London Borough of Wandsworth perform excellently.

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Children’s services rating Performs excellently (4)

The overall effectiveness of a very large majority of different types of inspected services and settings were judged good or better in recent inspections, although the proportion of good or better secondary schools is lower than average and day-care provision for young children is satisfactory. Secondary schools are also only satisfactory in the extent to which they help children enjoy and achieve and develop the skills and knowledge required for future economic well-being. The joint area review in February 2008, judged safeguarding arrangements outstanding, as well as provision for looked after children and those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. All special schools are good or better and for those whose circumstances make them vulnerable, provision across children’s homes, the local authority fostering agency, adoption agency and private fostering arrangements is consistently good. Proportionately more pupil referral units are good or better than seen

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Children’s services rating Performs excellently (4)

nationally or in similar areas, in the support they provide for those who have difficulties adapting to life in mainstream schools.

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Children’s services rating Performs excellently (4)

Performance against a very large majority of national indicators is better than or in line with similar areas and the position nationally. Indicators show arrangements for safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults to be carried out very effectively. Differences in achievement between children and young people from low income families and others, are smaller than observed nationally, and particularly so at age 19. Achievement gaps between children and young people with special educational needs who are following the national curriculum and their peers, are also narrower.

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Children’s services rating Performs excellently (4)

The children’s services rating is provided for the purpose of section 138 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006. The rating of local authority children’s services will contribute significantly to the managing performance theme of each local authority’s Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA) organisational assessment and therefore to the score for each local authority overall.

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Children’s services rating Performs excellently (4)

Juliet Winstanley Divisional Manager, CAA

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