inspection

This report summarises the outcomes from the 2008 annual performance assessment (APA) of local authorities' services for children and young people. A summary, key findings and recommendations are followed by evaluation of the outcome areas: being healthy, staying safe, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution, achieving economic well-being, and capacity to improve, including the management of children's services section. Each section includes a summary, key strengths and features of higher performing councils, and areas for improvement and barriers to success.

This report is based on evidence from joint area reviews (JARs) conducted in 73 local authority areas April 2007-July 2008. Key findings, recommendations and methodology are followed by sections on safeguarding; looked after children; children and young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities; additional, education and other investigations; and service management and capacity to improve. Annexes give an overview of JAR grades awarded since April 2007 under the new methodology and a full list of JARs since April 2007.

This report covers the audits of 16 health bodies in 2007-8. These include all health and social services boards, all health and social care trusts and a number of agencies and special agencies. Health service audit is undertaken by staff from the Northern Ireland Audit Office although a number of audits are contracted out to private sector accountancy firms. The report concludes that the health and social care sector continues to make progress in delivering improved health and social care services.

Document reporting the results of an inspection of substance misuse services in Grampian and making recommendations for improvements.

Report detailing the results of an inspection of substance misuse services in Grampian and making recommendations for improvements.

Good practice guide on supporting choice and decision making intended for all those involved in supporting adults using social care services in any setting in the public, independent or voluntary sectors.

This report has been produced jointly by HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) and the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS). The aim of the publication is to report on the quality of education currently experienced by deaf children in Scottish schools, to provide examples of good practice and to identify signposts for improvement which schools can use when planning for excellence.

Report providing a review of the inspection activities of HMIP in Scotland as well as reporting on the issues of severe and enduring mental health problems in Scotland's prisons and young offenders in adult establishments.

Report of a joint inspection which scrutinised arrangements for managing offenders whose past offending meant they might pose a serious threat of harm in the future. The report identifies what is working well, what needs to improve and makes recommendations for improvements to the Scottish Government.

The National Offender Management Service is subject to the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. This thematic report draws together information from prisoner surveys and inspection reports between 2006 and 2008, together with responses from 82 prison disability liaison officers (DLOs), to examine how well prisons are currently able to discharge these duties. Areas covered include: environment and relationships; safety; health services; activities; and resettlement. The report makes a number of recommendations.