CHILDREN growing up across North Staffordshire and South Cheshire are benefiting from first-rate early years education, according to Ofsted.

The findings are contained in the latest annual performance ratings for children's services authorities across the area. Overall, both Staffordshire and Cheshire East are performing well and Stoke-on-Trent has been rated as adequate. Ofsted says all three local councils give youngsters a strong start to their education, although provision for older pupils is more varied.

In Stoke-on-Trent:

Improvements in primary and secondary schools have been slower than those found in similar authorities. But half of primaries, and a third of high schools, have been judged as good or better in inspections.

There is good provision for vulnerable children, especially those in special schools, pupil referral units, and children's homes.

But the city's performance against a third of national indicators fell below the standards achieved by authorities facing similar challenges.

In Staffordshire:

Less than two-thirds of primary and secondary schools have been judged as good or better in inspections.

There is good support for vulnerable youngsters in settings such as special schools and children's homes.

Performance against a majority of indicators is in line with national levels.

In Cheshire East:

A high proportion of childcare, nursery and primary school settings have been judged better than those found in similar areas and nationally. But the number of secondary schools and school sixth forms rated good or better is below average.