Sandwell Council one of worst for children's care
Sandwell was today named one of the worst authorities in England when it comes to caring for the most vulnerable children in society, according to a new report.
The local authority has been named as one of 20 councils across the country where the standard of child protection is 'unacceptably poor'.
Neighbouring Birmingham has also made the list which has been compiled by Ofsted.
It comes after Ofsted branded Sandwell's children's services department as 'inadequate' in April.
Those findings led to the resignation of two of the service's bosses. The councillor in charge of children's services at the time, Bob Badham, also gave up his position in the cabinet, and was replaced by Councillor Simon Hackett.
In August Ofsted found the overall effectivness of the service for looked after children was also inadequate, as was its leadership, management and quality of provision.
Councillor Hackett today said he was determined to turn things around, adding: "We have a major improvement plan in progress at present. One, a restructure of the service and the other to work with families."
After today's report, Ofsted chief inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw said: "There are 20 councils where the standard of child protection is unacceptably poor and judged to be inadequate.
"Incompetent and ineffective leadership must be addressed quickly. But where those in leadership positions have capacity and potential, this must be recognised and nurtured.
"Too much leadership volatility in social care is counter-productive. One in three local authorities has had a change in their director of children's services last year alone. "
