COVENTRY CITY Council has been praised by inspectors for its work in tackling the risk of serious youth violence and criminal exploitation in the city.
The work has been described as having achieved tangible and sustained progress to reduce harm to children from violence and child criminal exploitation.
Inspectors visited the council earlier in the year for a Joint Targeted Area Inspection in relation to serious youth violence.
The inspectors included Ofsted, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, the Care Quality Commission and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation.
The findings said there was a mature, coordinated approach with a strong culture of support, collaboration and learning making a positive difference for highly vulnerable children.
The report said: ‘Partnerships in Coventry have a well-developed understanding of the causes and consequences of serious youth violence and the factors that make children vulnerable, particularly the link with criminal exploitation.
‘There is a strong and clear focus on prevention and early intervention, which supports the partnership’s priorities. Children and the community have been thoroughly engaged with developing strategies and interventions.’
Coun Patricia Seaman, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “The Council works closely with a range of partners to steer children away from danger and to help them choose the right path and stay on that path as they grow, protecting not just the children, but their families and their communities.
“That work crucially involves the children, young people and families themselves. They are given a voice and listened to, and they help us to plan our services according to their needs.
“We are pleased that the inspection recognised the great work going on in the city and noted that we are working to continually improve. We will always do so and always work hard to give our children and young people the protection and opportunities they need and deserve.”
