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02/12/2008
Ofsted Calls For Urgent Review Of Children's Care
Children's services in England are to be more closely monitored in the wake of Haringey council's failings over the Baby P scandal.
The body responsible for monitoring children's services, Ofsted, has called for an urgent review of how abuse cases are dealt with, following the case of the abused 17-month-old boy who died despite receiving 60 visits from welfare professionals.
The boy's mother has pleaded guilty and her boyfriend and a lodger have been convicted of charges relating to his death. They are each awaiting sentence.
Three senior staff at Haringey Council have been suspended after an inspectors' report into the sufferings of Baby P. These are director of children's services Sharon Shoesmith, Cecilia Hitchen, deputy director of children and families, and Clive Preece, head of children in need and safeguarding services.
They have been suspended on full pay.
Children's Secretary Ed balls said he had directed Ms Shoesmith to be removed with immediate effect; however, he does not have the power to sack her.
Mr Balls said an independent report has painted a "devastating and damning" picture of failings by the north London authority of the death of Baby P last August.
He added that the report delivered a "damning verdict on the current management of safeguarding children in Haringey".
He also announced new leadership at Haringey social services, with Hampshire county Council's John Coughlan replacing Ms Shoesmith with immediate effect.
Ofsted’s chief Inspector, Christine Gilbert, commented: "Too many opportunities are missed and too many vulnerable children are still being let down by the system designed to protect them.
"Action is needed to stop children falling through the gaps between agencies. This is not a new message - but one which must be heard and acted upon with real urgency."
George Meehan, the council's leader, and Liz Santry, its cabinet member for children and young people, resigned within hours of reading the conclusions. They expressed deep sadness at Baby P's death.
Mr Meehan said: "The reasons for my resignation are matters of personal honour and local responsibility."
Ms Santry added: "I am the accountable lead member and I accept that accountability and take my full share of responsibility."
(JM)
The body responsible for monitoring children's services, Ofsted, has called for an urgent review of how abuse cases are dealt with, following the case of the abused 17-month-old boy who died despite receiving 60 visits from welfare professionals.
The boy's mother has pleaded guilty and her boyfriend and a lodger have been convicted of charges relating to his death. They are each awaiting sentence.
Three senior staff at Haringey Council have been suspended after an inspectors' report into the sufferings of Baby P. These are director of children's services Sharon Shoesmith, Cecilia Hitchen, deputy director of children and families, and Clive Preece, head of children in need and safeguarding services.
They have been suspended on full pay.
Children's Secretary Ed balls said he had directed Ms Shoesmith to be removed with immediate effect; however, he does not have the power to sack her.
Mr Balls said an independent report has painted a "devastating and damning" picture of failings by the north London authority of the death of Baby P last August.
He added that the report delivered a "damning verdict on the current management of safeguarding children in Haringey".
He also announced new leadership at Haringey social services, with Hampshire county Council's John Coughlan replacing Ms Shoesmith with immediate effect.
Ofsted’s chief Inspector, Christine Gilbert, commented: "Too many opportunities are missed and too many vulnerable children are still being let down by the system designed to protect them.
"Action is needed to stop children falling through the gaps between agencies. This is not a new message - but one which must be heard and acted upon with real urgency."
George Meehan, the council's leader, and Liz Santry, its cabinet member for children and young people, resigned within hours of reading the conclusions. They expressed deep sadness at Baby P's death.
Mr Meehan said: "The reasons for my resignation are matters of personal honour and local responsibility."
Ms Santry added: "I am the accountable lead member and I accept that accountability and take my full share of responsibility."
(JM)
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