Something we thought we’d never see – Haringey rated as outstanding for Children’s Services

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Permalink Reply by Clive Carter 2 hours ago

THANKS Hugh.

Children's Services is far the most sensitive area of council responsibility as some residents with long memories may recall.

There was a Public Enquiry in connection with Victoria Climbié.

Lord Laming's Report (2003) was critical of the council. The then-Lead member for Social Services was named nine times (current local councillor Gina Adamou). A local lawyer once claimed to me that the council spent three million pounds on fees in order to evade responsibility.

Three years later there was Peter Connelly ("Baby P") and a shameful cover-up by the council, whose sole object appeared to be to protect council employees. At that time, the council's conduct was reprehensible (see: Aftermath).

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Recovering from such a background has obviously taken a great deal of time and effort in this hardest, most delicate area. Thus, the Ofsted Report is especially significant and well-earned.

Long may the outstanding work continue. It was put in by local Councillor and Cabinet Member Zena Brabazon and by the Director of Children’s services, Ann Graham.

All credit to them.

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