Council that did not 'effectively' protect children sets up board

Peterborough City Council social services, based in Sand Martin House at Fletton Quays, says it is making changes

A council that was told its response to child exploitation was "not effective" is setting up a new board of governors to make improvements.

Ofsted said that Peterborough City Council's children's services left some young people in "situations of risk".

Councillors will be asked to approve the creation of the new board at a meeting next week.

It would include police, politicians and representatives from the Department for Education.

The Ofsted inspection said improvements were needed in operational management, the quality of supervision and ensuring children's experiences were understood.

Children's services are in charge of safeguarding young people who are in care.

'Committed'

Inspector Tracey Ledder said in May: "The current arrangements do not ensure that all children who are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse are effectively identified and protected by services which are delivered in a coordinated and informed way... as a result, some children are left in situations of risk."

In August, Conservative Education Secretary Gillian Keegan appointed an adviser to manage the changes in Peterborough and an improvement notice was issued.

Jackie Allen, Conservative cabinet member for children's services, said the council and its partners had drafted a "detailed action plan" and added: "We are committed to improving children's services and offering the best services possible to our children and families."

Councillors on Wednesday will be asked to approve Sally Rowe, formerly of the Association of Directors of Children's Services Ltd, as the board chairperson.

A motion will also be put forward to remove Conservative Wayne Fitzgerald as leader of Peterborough City Council, after several of his colleagues left the party.