THE COUNTY'S children's service has received a £2m funding boost.

Essex County Council (ECC) was named as one of eight Local Authority Partners in Practice by the Department for Education, tasked with providing help to vulnerable children across the country.

On Friday children and families minister, Nadhim Zahawi, announced £17million of extra funding, with ECC receiving £2.1million to help local authorities where children’s services have been rated ‘requires improvement’ by Ofsted.

Children’s services which are rated ‘good’ by Ofsted, such as Essex's, will share practices and deliver hands-on peer support to other councils.

Councillor Dick Madden, cabinet member for children and families, said: “We're really excited to be a Partner in Practice and look forward to joining other Local Authorities in taking a collective approach to improving outcomes for children and families across the country.

“Essex County Council has already been officially appointed the improvement partner for a number of Local Authorities in the country and has a strong track record of helping to transform children’s services. This has mainly been due to the dedication of our Children and Families’ employees, headed up by a strong leadership team.

“We are clear that only through co-ordinated action will we be able to realise a country that is serious about getting the best for every child and it is essential that local and national government work together to achieve this. I’m pleased we have a further opportunity to share learning from Essex with our Partners in Practice.”