Documents reveal Ofsted made changes to report on Haringey

Documents released by the courts have revealed that changes were made to an Ofsted report on the council at the centre of the Baby Peter case.

Former director of children’s services Sharon Shoesmith was sacked in the wake of outcry at the death of Peter Connolly and failings identified at Haringey Council. Her lawyers claim a final version of the report was deliberately strengthened to target Shoesmith.

Ofsted has said none of the additional documents released by the court add weight to Shoesmith’s case against her dismissal.

A spokeswoman for Ofsted said the central concerns in the final version of the inspection report were also clearly in the first draft — namely that in 2008 safeguarding arrangements for children in Haringey were inadequate. “It is our normal practice that reports are drafted, edited and finalised,” she added.

“It is simply wrong to suggest that a first draft won’t be changed and improved. Ofsted inspections routinely undergo a process which involves challenge, review and moderation to ensure that all findings are fair and properly evidenced.”

In November last year Ofsted apologised for withholding documents relating to the report, stating it had made a serious mistake but had nothing to hide.

The High Court is yet to rule on the case.