TWO councils in the region are among only three in the country to be given top marks by inspectors for their support of children.

Gateshead and York councils were rated outstanding in the annual Ofsted performance assessments for children’s services. The third council was Kensington and Chelsea, in London.

Most other authorities in the area were rated good.

Only Newcastle received a lower mark, being rated adequate.

Gateshead scored the top mark in every category measured by inspectors.

Its report said: “Gateshead has one of the best levels of improvement in England across a wide range of service areas.

“Well-developed strategic partnerships and children’s trust arrangements, with clear leadership by children’s services, continue to develop highly effective area partnerships and multi-agency working.”

Gateshead councillor Catherine Donovan said: “We really value the quality of our services for children and young people, and to have them recognised in this way is excellent news.

“In Gateshead we have a really effective approach to development, which takes in everything from good health to keeping our young people safe.”

Pete Dwyer, director of learning, culture and children’s services at York City Council, said: “I am delighted that our services for children and young people in York have been rated as amongst the very best in the country.”

Nationally, nine out of 146 councils received inadequate ratings for their children’s services.