Sharon Shoesmith papers released by court
Key court documents have been released relating to the sacking of social services chief Sharon Shoesmith after the death of Baby Peter in London.
The High Court has taken the unusual step of making the documents public before a decision in the case.
Ms Shoesmith is taking action against Children’s Secretary Ed Balls, Ofsted and Haringey Council over her sacking.
There have been claims, denied by Ofsted, that an inspection report was re-written after the toddler’s death.
It is understood drafts of this report are included in the newly-released papers.
The High Court judge has taken all the evidence in the case but his verdict is not expected until after Easter.
The former head of Children’s Services at Haringey claims she was removed from her post unlawfully and is seeking damages.
1300 pages
The judge hearing the judicial review has released 1300 pages of documents given to the courts by the various sides, including those relating to the Ofsted report into Haringey Council, written submissions and statements from witnesses.
This follows a request from media organisations, including the BBC.
Ms Shoesmith, 56, was dismissed from her post as children’s services chief at Haringey in December 2008, following a damning report from Ofsted which concluded there was “insufficient strategic leadership and management oversight” in the safeguarding of local children.
Her lawyers argue she was unfairly and unjustly dismissed after Mr Balls allowed himself to be influenced by a “media storm and witch-hunt” over the Baby Peter case.
Mr Balls rejected the claims in his submissions to the court and said as secretary of state, he had been given “broad” powers to intervene when he judged local child protection arrangements to be inadequate.
He sent Ofsted inspectors into Haringey in November 2008 after the trial of those responsible for the death of 17-month-old Baby Peter Connelly.
The BBC’s Social Affairs Correspondent Alison Holt says she understands the papers contain the various drafts of the Ofsted report.
“After the judicial review hearing was finished, Ofsted disclosed more documents. They were given to the court,” she said.
“They included drafts of the damning report that came after the Baby P case.”
The judge re-opened the judicial review in November after the disclosure of the documents.
Baby Peter’s mother, Tracey Connelly, 28, her partner Steven Barker, 33, and Barker’s brother Jason Owen, 37, were all jailed for their part in his death.
The three were all convicted of causing or allowing Peter’s death.
The child was found dead in his cot at his home in Haringey in August 2007. He had more than 50 injuries, including fractured ribs and a broken back.
