COUNCILS nationwide are urged to follow North Yorkshire's example in looking after the most difficult and challenging children in care.

The "No Wrong Door" programme covers the entire county and combines residential care with fostering, supported accommodation with backup from clinical psychologists, speech and communications therapists, mental health support and supportive police input.

After Sir Martin Narey, former chief executive of Barnardos and former director general of prisons for England and Wales gave the scheme the thumbs up in a government commissioned report, and Ofsted gave it an outstanding grade, the Department of Education is hoping other local authorities will set up their own version of the programme.

Sir Martin said: “It is the sense of ambition and high expectations which this very clever and sophisticated programme has for the most challenging children which is so special.”

"The No Wrong Door team is uncompromising in its belief that through the right support even the most challenging children can move forward.”

Cllr Janet Sanderson, executive member for the children and young people's service said: "We are thrilled that the vision and hard work of our highly committed staff has been recognised at a national level. North Yorkshire’s priority is to improve the life chances of our most vulnerable young people and we hope now that other authorities will follow this lead.”