New child safety team takes reigns in Peterborough

THE new sector-led team for Peterborough City Council’s childcare services has been finalised, after a departmental shake-up following a damning Ofsted report.

The inspection found the council offering inadequate services for seven out of nine categories for safeguarding youngsters in the city.

Former department chief John Richards has resigned and has been replaced by interim children’s services director Adrian Loades.

Mr Loades announced he would head up a ‘sector-lead’ team, with a range of professionals drafted in to help bring the changes needed.

A council spokeswoman said: “The team is Sue Williams, who will support the development of safeguarding arrangements, while Rebecca Price will lead the support for performance management arrangements.

“They have both come from Hertfordshire County Council.

“Independent consultant Anne Goldsmith will lead support for workforce development. She has worked for many local authorities.

“Oonagh Aitken, who has considerable experience of social work and local government, will co-ordinate the initial work of the team.

“Her assessment will be produced for the Improvement Board by the end of October.

“Penny Hajek and Judy Hardman have been commissioned to undertake a series of audits and their work will be linked to the assessment.”