Dark day for ‘inadequate’ West Sussex child protection

The OFSTED verdict was described as a “dark day” for the county council by Littlehampton East county councillor Dr James Walsh when it was announced at Friday’s council meeting.

Councillor Pete Bradbury, cabinet member for children and families, gave the news, voicing his concern and adding that steps were already underway to address shortcomings in procedures for safeguarding children.

He announced the formation of a specialised team with an urgent brief to speed up the rate of progress made since the last inspection in 2008.

However, the inspectors found that services for looked after children, rated inadequate, in 2008, were now “adequate”.

Mr Bradbury said the criticism and findings were accepted.

“We know what needs to be done, and we are going to get on with it.,” he added.

“I want to assure our residents that the protection of children is an absolute priority as far as this council is concerned.”

Improvements within children’s social services had not led to the speed of progress they would have liked.

The OFSTED report made it clear the department needed to step up the pace.

Dr Walsh said it was a dark day for the county council to be reported as inadequate – safeguarding of children was one of its highest obligations, if not the highest.

“To be judged inadequate two years ago and not move on is quite an indictment,” he asserted.