Children's services progress is noted

IMPROVEMENTS have been made at Halton's under-fire children's services department according to Government inspectors.

- BY MARK SMITH Local Democracy Reporter

Ofsted recently conducted a second monitoring visit in the aftermath of the department being judged 'inadequate' across all areas in May last year, the lowest possible rating.

At the time, Ofsted criticised what it called a lack 'stable and effective leadership' and highlighted 'workforce instability, with a Government inspector being sent in to help turn things around.

A new department head, Zoe Fearon, had also been installed at the end of the previous year.

The watchdog recently carried out a two day visit at the end of April, with the outcome being published this week. It found 'strong political and corporate support' and 'significant additional investment' was supporting progress towards improvement.