In the last Authority wide inspection, OFSTED said that Wakefield "effectively supports improvement in its schools".

This remains true, and subsequent surveys confirm schools agree.

Praise was also given to the way in which Wakefield supports newly qualified teachers, and the development of more senior staff, and how school self-review is underpinned.  There is a "broad and relevant" in-service training programme, which is based at the in-service centre at Woolley Hall.

Much of the support for schools and teachers comes through the Advisory and Inspection Service, which is able to deploy a high level of expertise in both Primary and Secondary education and in specific subjects.  The Advisors know schools well, and work closely with Headteachers and Heads of Department to support teachers and foster their career progress.

Wakefield provides a range of other services to help schools, teachers and pupils succeed.

OFSTED recognised the quality of services promoting school attendance and child welfare; the support available to Governors; the strategy for special needs and its delivery; many administrative services; including personnel, and asset management planning; and the efforts made to promote social inclusion.

Wakefield's Education Development Plan underpins much of the authority's work with schools.  Apart from raising standards in literacy, numeracy and ICT, the plan aims to:

• Promote high standards of expectation and achievement for early years children
• Improve the special needs curriculum
• Improve the 14-19 curriculum
• Support and develop high standards in the arts
• Improve leadership and management and teaching quality
• Special attention has also been paid to improving boys' attainment, and promoting racial equality.

A great deal of innovative work has been carried out with schools to fulfil the Plan and teachers are encouraged to extend their skills and to try new approaches.  This is what makes Wakefield schools exciting places to be.