Joint area review

Joint area review of Report for children and young people London Borough of Havering

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Report for children and young people about the services they receive in the London Borough of Havering

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• Being healthy • Staying safe • Enjoying and doing well at school and as they grow up • Making a positive contribution to society • Being successful in whatever they choose to do when they are adults London Borough of Havering children and young people’s report 2

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Why should I read this?

The law says that inspectors must look at and then report on how well local services serve children and young people in an area. This is called a “review”. Inspectors visited your area recently. You might like to read this, or the full report which you can find on Ofsted’s website, to find out what they had to say.

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What did the inspectors do?

Seven inspectors visited Havering in September and October 2006 so that they could get a feel of what life is like for children and young people in the area. They:

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What did the inspectors do?

™ listened to a number of children and young people they met at youth centres, children’s centres and schools, especially in the Harold Hill area ™ talked with adults working with children and young people (like social workers, teachers, youth workers, nurses, doctors, police officers and councillors) ™ spoke to parents and other people caring for children and young people; ™ met with school councils’ representatives and members of the Youth Council ™ heard from the council and other agencies what it thinks about the services it provides for children and young people; ™ read a lot of reports ™ visited services used by children and young people to see things for themselves.

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What did the inspectors do?

The inspectors also looked at how well particular children and young people are doing, like those children and young people in council care or those who have a learning difficulty and/or disability.

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How well are children and young people doing in Havering?

™ Most children and young people are healthy, ™ Most children and young people are safe, ™ Most children and young people do very well at school, ™ Most children and young people make a positive contribution to their schools and some to the area in which they live, ™ Young people who continue their studies after the age of 16 do well, London Borough of Havering children and young people’s report 3

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How well are children and young people doing in Havering?

™ fewer children and young people than in other parts of the country commit criminal offences ™ most young people are prepared well for work and independent living.

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your area?

™ They usually like their school and the good range of facilities and activities that are on offer, ™ They knew who to contact if they needed help or advice, ™ They would like to know that their suggestions for improving services are listened to and make a difference, ™ Most young people feel safe at school but some are concerned about bullying and are worried about safety in their communities, particularly at night.

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your area?

™ Health visitors, doctors and nurses work closely with schools, social workers and families to keep children and young people healthy. ™ Schools give good health education especially on physical activities, healthy eating and sexual health. ™ Most vulnerable children and young people are kept safe from abuse and exploitation. ™ Children and young people are having earlier and easier access to services to support them and their families. ™ Children and young people who are looked after by the council receive safe and good quality care, and they are encouraged to achieve their potential. ™ Schools help children and young people to do very well and to enjoy their education. ™ Children and young people enjoy a wide range of leisure and recreational activities. ™ There are increasing opportunities for children and young people to make their views heard about issues that affect their daily lives. ™ The great majority of young people behave well and fewer offend or

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your area?

are excluded from school. ™ Most children and young people get good support to move into further education, training or employment. London Borough of Havering children and young people’s report 4

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your area?

™ children and young people are well supported particularly at times of change in their lives.

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What things are not so good for children and young people?

™ Young people with caring responsibilities do not have sufficient guidance and support. ™ Young people need better information and specialist support to reduce under-age drinking and alcohol abuse. ™ Children and young people need more help to feel safe and free from bullying in their communities. ™ Some young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and their families need more information and support. ™ Children and young people have insufficient opportunities to influence local issues. ™ Too many young people, aged 16, go into employment without education or training. ™ Looked after children do not have sufficient access to specialist care of a dedicated doctor and nurse.

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