The government has launched an urgent review into Warwickshire County Council's children's services after inspectors uncovered alarming failures in protecting vulnerable young people.
The Department for Education (DfE) announced the intervention following a damning Ofsted report that revealed systemic weaknesses in the council's safeguarding practices. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan described the findings as "deeply concerning" and pledged immediate action.
Critical Failings Exposed
Inspectors identified multiple areas where Warwickshire's services fell short:
- Inconsistent responses to child protection concerns
- Poor quality assessments for children in need
- Significant delays in crucial decision-making
- Inadequate support for care leavers
The review will examine whether the council has the capacity to improve or if external commissioners should take over children's services - a measure last implemented in 2019 when the council was rated inadequate.
Council Leadership Under Scrutiny
Warwickshire County Council leaders have acknowledged the shortcomings and promised cooperation with the DfE review. A council spokesperson stated: "We accept Ofsted's findings and are already implementing an improvement plan."
Local MPs have expressed outrage at the failures, with one describing the situation as "a betrayal of our most vulnerable children." The review is expected to conclude within six weeks, with potential sanctions including direct government oversight.
This intervention comes amid growing national concern about stretched children's services, with several councils facing similar scrutiny over child protection failings.
