Delays in young children’s ability to speak and listen properly are leaving them struggling to learn to read and write, Ofsted has warned.

The “slow” pace of change in Birmingham’s children’s social care services was a factor in the suspension of its director, it has emerged.

AGENCIES involved with the family of murdered Earby baby Charlie Hunt have been criticised for failing to recognise the potential harm to him and told serious lessons must be learned.

The first steps have been taken towards a radical overhaul of the health service despite opposition from unions, professionals and charities.

New research reveals the postcode lottery governing how much local authorities charge for home care and who they determine is eligible to receive it. Some provide it free, while others demand £20 an hour. Seventy percent of local authorities restrict home care to those with critical or substantial needs.

Manchester children’s services boss is leaving the city council. Pauline Newman will become the first senior manager to go since the town hall announced plans to axe 2,000 jobs.

THE latest head of Birmingham children’s social services has vowed to take the action needed to help the department finally lose its ‘failing’ tag.

A care worker has been arrested on suspicion of neglect or ill-treatment at Workington’s Amathea Care Home.

The Courier has learned the suspensions have taken place following a review into care at Heath Bank Nursing Home last month.

A mother who claims she asked social services to put her disabled child into care after being refused extra support posted an Internet message reading: “I want to die,” Channel 4 News has learned.