ADOPTED children are being found homes more quickly in Southend than around the country.

The borough is in the top ten across the nation meaning vulnerable children have a secure family and brighter future.

Adoption scorecards from the Department for Education revealed Southend Council makes the top ten for efficiency.

Simon Leftley, deputy chief executive for people at Southend Council, said: “Our adoption teams are fantastic and work with tireless dedication to make sure each child is matched with the right family to create a permanent home for them, as soon as possible.

“I am pleased their hard work has been recognised and want to thank them for their commitment to make such positive changes for these children.”

In Southend between 2015 and 18, it took an average 309 days between a child going into care and being adopted, against a national average of 486.

It also took an average 107 days to match a child with a suitable adoptive family against a national average of 202.

Children and Families Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: “Adoption can transform the lives of vulnerable children and their adoptive families in a remarkable way, which is why we are determined that every child has access to a loving, stable home that’s right for them.

“Staff and leaders at Southend deserve recognition for their hard work and dedication to helping secure a bright future for these children. “

“I am pleased to see that across the country, the latest figures shows that the time it takes for a child to be adopted has reduced so that they can start their new lives with families sooner. But we recognise that more needs to be done to give more children this opportunity, which is why we are working with adoption charities to make sure there are enough adoptive homes, and why we continue to support these new families through our Adoption Support Fund.”