SERVICES for hundreds of thousands of children and young people across East Anglia were given a good rating as the number of English authorities branded inadequate doubled in a year.There were immediate calls for a nationwide overhaul of the system as

SERVICES for hundreds of thousands of children and young people across East Anglia were given a "good" rating as the number of English authorities branded inadequate doubled in a year.

There were immediate calls for a nationwide overhaul of the system as Ofsted doubled the number of the 147 authorities rated inadequate, from four to eight, while the number considered good or outstanding fell from 78pc to 73pc.

Cambridgeshire County Council was given a good rating for all areas except "staying safe", which was "adequate".

Inspectors said: "The management of these services is good. Ambition is good. The children and young people's plan links well to national and local priorities. It is ambitious and challenging."

Martin Curtis, cabinet member for children, said: "I am impressed by this report. It demonstrates the commitment and dedication of our staff in improving services for children and young people across Cambridgeshire. We were already aware of the areas for improvement, and they have either been addressed or work is underway.