Excellent
An evaluation of excellent will apply to performance which is a model of its type. The outcomes for children, young people and their families along with their experience of services will be of a very high quality. An evaluation of excellent will represent an outstanding standard of performance, which will exemplify very best practice and will be worth disseminating beyond the service or area. It will imply these very high levels of performance are sustainable and will be maintained.
Very good
An evaluation of very good will apply to performance characterised by major strengths. There will be very few areas for improvement and any that do exist will not significantly diminish the experience of children, young people or their families. While an evaluation of very good will represent a high standard of performance, it is a standard that should be achievable by all. It will imply that it is fully appropriate to continue the delivery of service without significant adjustment. However, there will be an expectation that professionals will take opportunities to improve and strive to raise performance to excellent.
Good
An evaluation of good will apply to performance characterised by major strengths which taken together clearly outweigh any areas for improvement. An evaluation of good will represent a standard of performance in which the strengths have a significant positive impact. However, the quality of outcomes and experiences of children, young people and their families will be diminished in some way by aspects where improvement is required. It will imply that the services should seek to improve further the areas of important strength but take action to address the areas for improvement.
Adequate
An evaluation of adequate will apply to performance characterised by strengths which just outweigh weaknesses. An evaluation of adequate will indicate that children, young people and their families have access to a basic level of service. It represents a standard where the strengths have a positive impact on the experiences of children, young people and families. However, while the weaknesses will not be important enough to have a substantially adverse impact, they will constrain the overall quality of outcomes and experiences. It will imply that professionals should take action to address areas of weakness while building on its strengths.
Weak
An evaluation of weak will apply to performance, which has some strengths, but where there will be important weaknesses. In general, an evaluation of weak may be arrived at in a number of circumstances. While there may be some strengths, the important weaknesses, either individually or collectively, are sufficient to diminish the experiences of children, young people and their families in substantial ways. It may imply that some children and young people may be left at risk or their needs not met unless action is taken. It will imply the need for structured and planned action on the part of the agencies involved.
Unsatisfactory
An evaluation of unsatisfactory will apply when there are major weaknesses in performance in critical aspects requiring remedial action. The outcomes and experiences of children, young people and their families will be at risk in significant respects. In almost all cases, professionals responsible for provision evaluated as unsatisfactory will require support from senior managers in planning and carrying out the necessary actions to effect improvement. This may involve working alongside staff or other agencies. Urgent action will be required to ensure that children, young people are protected and their needs met.