Investigations were under way last night as the deaths of two young boys intensifed the scrutiny on child protection in Britain. Greater Manchester Police is facing serious questions over its handling of the welfare of a troubled family which ended with a baby and toddler being stabbed to death, allegedly by their mother.

The scandal of Baby P has placed the role of the individuals assigned to protect him in the spotlight. Unlike previous child abuse scandals in which the victims have slipped through the net, unnoticed until it was too late, Baby P was recognised as being at risk of child abuse and placed on the child protection register eight months before he died.

The horrific case of Baby P – who suffered months of abuse before his murder – has led to fierce criticism of local social services in Haringey, north London.

A scheme in Central Lancashire which prepares youngsters for a career in social care has won a national award.

Government orders urgent review into child welfare within Haringey council, the local authority responsible for the care of Baby P