Children's services are improving across the UK as a result of the inadequate ratings being handed to local authorities.

This is according to watchdog Ofsted, which made the observation in its latest annual report.

An inadequate rating, Ofsted said, is an "important catalyst for change".

Miriam Rosen, Ofsted chief inspector, commented: "Inspection is about helping services to improve so that children, young people and learners of all ages can benefit from the very best. It is therefore encouraging to see the strides being taken by some of those who have previously been judged to be failing."

She added that in light of the fact that Ofsted is moving towards more targeted inspection, "I hope we will see continuing improvement in the rate of progress being made".

Earlier this week, Ofsted said that children's chances of receiving a good education remain tied to social class.

The watchdog said that deprivation continued to be a "significant factor influencing the quality of schools" in England.