Children at risk in eight local authorities

TWICE as many councils as last year are failing to protect children like BabyP from abuse, figures showed today.

Ofsted rated eight authorities in England "inadequate" - the lowest grade - for keeping children safe.

Ministers immediately sent teams of experts in to strengthen child protection in the failing councils - which included Haringey, Essex, West Sussex, Reading, Wokingham and Surrey.

Ofsted's findings come amid heightened public concern over child abuse following the death of Baby P in Haringey.

Despite having been seen at least 60 times by Haringey's health and social workers, BabyP was left to die after suffering months of abuse and neglect.

Ofsted's chief inspector, Christine Gilbert, said: "I am concerned that some services provided for the most vulnerable children and young people remain inadequate Where this has been found, we have clearly identified where improvements are needed."