Directors of children’s services should be afforded the same professional freedoms as head teachers and social workers, the incoming president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) has claimed.

An investigation has been launched into how social services handled the case of a baby who died after allegedly being force-fed by her parents, the Standard can reveal today.

A DATE for trial has been set for a former care manger facing four charges of wilful neglect. Chan Teeluck of London Road, Stone, denied the charges in a plea and case management hearing on April 1 at Maidstone Crown Court.

The coalition’s Education Bill is in danger of disregarding local authorities’ contribution to school improvement while its health reforms risk overlooking children altogether, the new president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) has warned.

More than 1400 people living in care homes across Norfolk have been assured they will receive the same level of service when a new company takes over running them.

Dramatic reductions for libraries and children’s services will take effect at start of new financial year

Almost half of councils are not protecting adult social care from cuts, a survey conducted by the Local Government Association shows – a decision set to increase pressure on the National Health Service.

Norgove panel plans to cut family court delays and give access rights to grandparents welcomed