Under plans set to appear in the next consultation on comprehensive area assessments (CAAs), the watchdog intends to abolish grades for local authorities. Instead, councils will be given a "narrative" assessment describing the effectiveness of services. David Hawker, chair of the Association of Directors of Children's Services' standards, performance and inspection committee, said: "It's a brave move to do the assessment without scores. We're used to having grades, so it's really a challenge for us in local authorities to grow up." The delayed consultation,...