Minister in talks over Cumbria's children's services 'inadequate' rating

Bosses at Cumbria's failing children's services department are holding talks with government ministers.

In May the county council's children services was rated "inadequate" for the third time in four years.

County councillor Anne Burns, head of the unit, said changes had been made and would be discussed with children's minister Edward Timpson.

A recent council report found that 50 young people in Cumbria were at risk of sexual exploitation.

This problem will also be discussed with ministers later.

She also said that since May the council's safeguarding board, which deals with those at risk of sexual abuse, had moved from an inadequate rating to "needing improvement".

Ms Burns added: "The work around safeguarding children is now on the up in Cumbria."

In May, inspectors from Ofsted found "serious failures" in the care of looked-after Cumbria youngsters, with leadership also criticised.