Ofsted staff 'lack skills to save children from abuse'

The government's child protection chief says many Ofsted staff lack the skills to protect children from abuse and neglect.

Sir Roger Singleton, who became chairman of the independent safeguarding authority in March, said many Ofsted staff were too inexperienced to hold social workers to account.

Ofted took responsibility for inspecting children's services in 2007. Concerns were raised a year later after inspectors gave Haringey a clean bill of health just months after the death of Baby Peter, who was on the council's at-risk register. Sir Roger said: "It makes it all too easy for those who are inspected to ignore the results if they don't have respect for the inspectors. It is important Ofsted works to build its regard and respect in this area."

Ofsted plans to hire 20 or more inspectors with direct experience of children's social care. Director for children Roger Shippam said: "It is understandable that there is much anxiety, especially following the death of Baby Peter. However, this tragic case highlights the need for Ofsted to maintain its focus on the child, and to be resolute in its judgments, even where this generates tension with social workers and their managers."