The council child protection service heavily criticised for their role in the death of Baby Peter is showing signs of progress after spending millions of pounds on improving.
According to the Guardian, a report published by inspectors today in to Haringuey Council in north London shows that they have taken action to reduce frontline staff workloads, simplify bureaucratic IT systems and get rid of poorly-performing employees and this is beginning to pay dividends.
The report by Ofsted indicates that after initial difficulties the children’s services in the borough are beginning to make “good progress overall”
Ofsted says that there is now “consistent evidence of largely satisfactory standards” being achieved throughout much of the service. Importantly, taking in to account the communication breakdown between Dr Zayyat and social services in the Baby Peter case, the partnerships between council staff, NHS workers, police and other agencies are much improved.
However, the report has also indicated that there is “good capacity for further improvement” so clearly there is opportunity for the council to do more to help protect vulnerable children.
Council leader Claire Kober stated that “Baby Peter’s death was a wake up call to us all.” and it would seem that they are definitely moving in the right direction. However, Ms Kober insists that the council will not rest on their laurels following this report indicating:
“There is no complacency here, and no suggestion that the job is done.”
Baby Peter died in 2007, suffering over 50 injuries following abuse from his mother’s lover and the council were vilified for their failure to identify the risks to the child despite visiting his home on no less than 60 occasions. However, over the last 12 months the council has pumped over £4 million in to improving their child protection service and it appears to be paying dividends. Hopefully this improvement will lead to more cases of abuse being identified and appropriately dealt with, and save vulnerable children from suffering injuries.
