Council’s award for its support of youngsters

CHESHIRE East Council is leading the way in the North West’s quest to get school leavers into further education or employment.

The council won the accolade of having the fewest young people not in Education Employment or Training (NEETs) in the region, and came third nationally, with the City of London and London borough of Wandsworth in first and second.

Out of 141 primary and secondary schools in the borough which have been inspected under education watchdog Ofsted’s 2012 framework, 93.6 per cent were rated good or outstanding.

And the council has pledged to ensure every school leaver will be offered a sixth form or college place, or a job with training.

Council leader Michael Jones, said: “This year we will make offers to every school leaver.

“It will be challenging but it is an essential part of our efforts to make sure that the number of NEETs in Cheshire East is kept to an absolute minimum.

“I want to ensure that the young people of Cheshire East are given the best possible chance to get the skills and training that will enable them to secure well paid jobs and lead fulfilling, rewarding and productive lives.”

Last year the council made offers to nearly 4,000 young people or 99 per cent of leavers – the highest ever – as part of what is known as the September guarantee process.

But according to the council leader, there is still more to be done in boosting the quality of schools in the area.

Coun Jones said: “This is a fantastic accolade for our schools, but we are not resting on our laurels.

“Our aim this year is for 97 per cent of our schools to be rated good or outstanding.

“Parents can be very proud of the work being done by heads, teachers, council officers and, of course, pupils, to improve standards.

“It’s a great time to be a child in Cheshire East because the quality of education on offer creates much greater opportunities.”