Serving our children well (From Harrow Times)

Serving our children well

9:35am Thursday 17th April 2008

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I would like to respond to comments made by local MP Gareth Thomas in his column (Harrow Times, April 10) regarding the performance of Harrow children's services.

His comment regarding children's services is incorrect and I would like to confirm the following: Over the last three years we have balanced our budget, as well as making savings.

Over the last three years our performance has improved and children's services in Harrow is now rated as a three-star service, which is good.

Performance in our schools continues to be very good with above average results at every key stage. In the summer of 2007 Harrow children achieved the highest ever results at GCSE, meeting a very demanding Government target.

The number of young people in education, employment and training is amongst the best in the country.

Indicators of performance in children's social care and safeguarding show a significant and continuing improvement and Harrow leads on a number of national developments to safeguard children.

We have developed nationally recognised innovation in our partnership work with adoption services and residential children's homes, and lead on work to help young children manage risk in their lives with the Miss Dorrothy.com work in schools.

We have been commended for our work with partner organisations by central Government and the Office of Public Management.

I am not complacent; children's services staff and our partners will continue to work to improve services for the benefit of all young people in Harrow.

Paul Clark
Corporate Director Children's Services, Harrow Council

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