THE Government’s chief inspector of schools has singled out York’s children’s services for praise.

Christine Gilbert, has singled out the work of York’s children’s services in a speech to the annual conference of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services in Manchester.

In a wide-ranging speech, Ofsted’s chief inspector detailed the key characteristics of really effective Local Authorities in driving improvements in safeguarding the welfare of the most vulnerable children. Speaking to an audience of children’s services professionals, she highlighted York’s work on school improvement and its efforts to boost achievements of children from low income-families, with focus on involving parents and a commitment to developing individual pupils, as particularly impressive.

Ms Gilbert, whose full title is Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills, Ofsted, said: “In their first- class work York has shown a combination of high ambition and challenging aspiration for improving lives. I congratulate them for this and hope that others can learn from their example.”

Jill Hodges, assistant director, school improvement, City of York Council, said: “Narrowing the gap is a key priority in York. We appreciate that this cannot be achieved by schools alone and so are working with schools, families, communities and a wide range of partners in some very innovative and creative ways to raise attainment and improve life chances for our children and young people.”