Statement in response to Old Bailey sentencing

Statement by the Leader of the council

The leader of Haringey Council, Cllr Claire Kober, said:

“We failed these children and I apologise unreservedly for the shortcomings and mistakes in our child protection service in 2007 when these crimes were committed.

“We are making urgent and substantial improvements to the service and we will act on recommendations set out in the two serious case reviews into both of these cases.”

Background notes

An action plan has been approved by Ofsted in response to the criticisms of child protection services in Haringey in the Ofsted review before Christmas.

There is a new director of children’s services, Peter Lewis, appointed by the Secretary of State in December, and new senior staff.

There is new political leadership – with both a new leader and a new cabinet member for children and young people.

The Local Safeguarding Children Board is stronger, with a new independent chair, Graham Badman, and senior representation from local agencies, including the borough police commander and senior NHS officials.

There are new arrangements for scrutiny, including monthly reports to the Secretary of State. We have ongoing independent audits of our case files, so any file could be checked at any time, this is to ensure the quality of our work. Regular reports are also going to public meetings of the council.

Five members of staff have been dismissed.

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