Leeds told to improve children's services

An unannounced inspection published in August highlighted child protection concerns, and Primarolo said there were also concerns around education in the city, with a high number of young people not in education, employment or training.

Bill McCarthy, chief executive at NHS Yorkshire and the Humber, is to head up an improvement board which will drive changes across secondary schools, sixth forms and special schools, and aim to reduce the high number of young people not in education, employment or training in Leeds. McCarthy will report to Primarolo and the council leader every two months.

Primarolo said:  "I am pleased the council have agreed to take necessary steps to secure improvements required in children's services through the new improvement board. I will though want to consider further with the Council what specific action is to be taken once they have the results of Ofsted's full inspection of safeguarding and looked after children which will be published in January."

Andrew Carter, leader of Leeds City Council, said: "I am pleased that we have been able to agree with the minister specific action to support our improvement efforts here in Leeds. We will be working closely with the new board and are grateful to Bill McCarthy for agreeing to take on the important role of chair."