Ofsted's safeguarding spot checks enrage sector

The new inspections started four weeks ago and are designed to improve public confidence in councils' child protection services following the death of Baby P.

As of Wednesday last week, nine unannounced inspections had taken place, with Ofsted reporting "serious concerns" in six councils.

While the results have not been published, individual councils have seen their own results. The findings are presented in a letter that, rather than giving a simple "pass" or "fail" judgement, covers strengths, areas for development and serious concerns.

But directors of children's services (DCSs) have told CYP Now that the large number of councils deemed to be failing reflects flaws in the system. The concerns have prompted the Association of Directors of Children's Services (ADCS) to call for the no-notice inspections to be suspended. ADCS president Kim Bromley-Derry said: "We have asked Ofsted to stop in order for us to take stock."

The ADCS says the phrase "serious concerns" is misleading. Bromley-Derry added: "It doesn't necessarily mean a child has been put at risk. It could mean someone hasn't filled out a piece of paper within a designated timescale."

Many DCSs fear the results reveal a knee-jerk reaction from Ofsted, anxious to avoid a repeat of the Baby P tragedy. They also fear that the publication of no-notice inspection results in the current format will further undermine staff morale and public confidence in the child protection system.

Marion Davis, director of children's services for Warwickshire County Council, said: "The last thing we want to do is conceal or condone poor practice. But it's the basis on which these decisions are being made. It is about the credibility of the system."

A spokeswoman for Ofsted said: "No final letters have been published at this stage and we are currently considering their precise wording to convey accurately the extent of any weaknesses we have identified."