Child services are 'inadequate'

The council's head of children's services resigned ahead of the report

Children's services in Cornwall have been condemned as "inadequate" in a detailed report by Ofsted inspectors.

The report said children and young people in care were not properly safeguarded, with the department's leadership singled out for criticism.

Cornwall Council apologised, saying it had taken "swift and decisive action" to resolve the problems.

Children's Minister Dawn Primarolo said the government was "working urgently" with Cornwall on the issue.

The report said inspectors identified a range of failures in care planning, risk assessment, reviews, recording, planning and visits by social workers. It also said there was a significant lack of initial emergency placements.

'Fundamental weaknesses'

Key problems with Cornwall's child protection services included:

• Child protection referrals are "not done in timely way"

• Assessments of children and analysis of risks they face lack consistency

• Management ineffective in ensuring high standards of work and fails to support staff

• There are too few staff - social workers have high case loads and there are not enough health visiting or school nursing staff

The report stated: "Cornwall faces a significant challenge in changing the culture and practice within children's social care services are delivered securely."

It made a series of recommendations, some to be implemented immediately, others over the coming months.

The director of children's services resigned shortly before the report's publication and an interim director has been appointed.

Kevin Lavery, chief executive of Cornwall Council, said the authority accepted in full the report.

"We have already taken swift and decisive action to deal with the issues. Our focus is now on the future and that we fix the issues as soon as possible," he said.

The council now had new leadership, which aimed to understand the problems, he continued.

I will take whatever action is necessary to ensure the safety of children and young people in Cornwall Dawn Primarolo Children's minister

"It does need a root and branch change, it's not something that can be a quick flash bang, so it will take time.

He said the key priority for change was ensuring the authority's 140 social workers were clear about correct procedures and were correctly supervised and supported.

"We are certainly not in a position as Haringey 12 months ago with the Baby Peter situation and we are fortunate that Ofsted have discovered these problems before we have had that sort of tragic event.

"It's all the more important that we do tackle this with speed," he added.

'Fundamental weaknesses'

Interim director of children's services, Richard Hubbard, said the issue was wider than just social workers or managers.

"It's about making sure the jobs are carefully designed, that accountabilities in safeguarding are very clear, and that there's a golden thread of responsibility, right from the front-end of the business to the very top of the organisation," he said.

Children's Minister Dawn Primarolo said the government was "working urgently" with Cornwall to address the concerns identified in the report.

"It is deeply concerning that Ofsted's report highlights fundamental weaknesses in Cornwall's children's services," she said.

OFSTED REPORT Inspection of safeguarding and looked after children services: Cornwall Council [120 KB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader here

"We will now ensure the council puts in place full and robust plans, very quickly indeed - that will get to the heart of the problems and secure rapid and sustainable improvement.

Ms Primarolo added: "I will take whatever action is necessary to ensure the safety of children and young people in Cornwall."

The council also issued a statement apologising for failing vulnerable young people.

It said: "We recognise that many parents and carers in Cornwall will be worried by the findings of this report and would like to reassure them that plans are already being drawn up to improve these services."

There have been concerns about the quality of child protection in Cornwall for several years. In 2006, the county was rated inadequate by the watchdog and a government sanctioned team was sent in.

It was thought the service had improved with more favourable assessments in 2007 and 2008. The unitary authority Cornwall Council took over social services from the former county council following its formation in April.

An unannounced investigation in July found serious concerns in the system and a more detailed report was ordered.

OFSTED ASSESSMENT: STAYING SAFE

English local authorities' performance

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