Four Haringey social work staff sacked for Baby P failings

A social worker and three managers have been sacked for failings in the care of Baby P, Haringey Council has said.

The sackings follow the dismissal of Sharon Shoesmith as head of the London authority’s children’s services unit.

The 56-year-old was sacked without compensation in December after a critical Ofsted report.

Baby P was 17 months old when he died with more than 50 injuries in August 2007, despite being on the north London authority’s child protection register.

‘Loss of trust’

He suffered a catalogue of injuries including broken ribs and a broken back.

Haringey Council said Cecilia Hitchen, the deputy director of children and families, had been dismissed for “loss of trust and confidence” following the damning Ofsted report in December last year.

A council spokesman said social worker Maria Ward, team manager Gillie Christou and head of safeguarding services Clive Preece were sacked for gross misconduct.

A fifth employee, social worker Sylvia Henry, had no action taken against her because there was no case to answer, the council found.

The General Social Care Council also currently has interim suspension orders against Miss Ward and Miss Christou.

Baby P’s mother, 27, who cannot be named, pleaded guilty to causing or allowing the toddler’s death.

Her boyfriend, 32, who also cannot be named, and Jason Owen, 36, from Bromley, Kent, were found guilty of the same offence. All three are awaiting sentence.

Following the Baby P case the government asked Lord Laming to carry out a nationwide review of child welfare services.

He reported back in March, attacking public bodies for failing to put recommendations made six years earlier into practice.