COUNCIL workers have been praised for their work to support children and families in County Durham.

Durham County Council’s first Practice Week saw bosses – from council chief executive Terry Collins to heads of service and team managers – going out and seeing first-hand how more than 55 children’s service teams provide support to thousands of people. Head of early help, assessment and safeguarding, Carole Payne, praised the “unrelenting positivity” of staff dealing with complex and sensitive situations.

The week, from March 5 to 9, gave managers a chance to see up close the work of staff, and hear from parents, carers and children about the services they receive and how things might be improved.

Corporate director for children and young people’s services, Margaret Whellans said: “We constantly want to improve and innovate, to offer families the best services that we can.”