A WATCHDOG has held up Essex as an example of improved children’s services.

Ofsted, which inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people, referenced Essex County Council as a local authority that has improved to being judged as “good” by inspectors.

Since achieving the rating, the council has given advice on preparing for an inspection to other authorities.

It has also been taking part in peer reviews and sitting on intervention boards, which are set up by the Department for Education to work with authorities that are the subject of ministerial intervention.