Daily roundup: Child protection, benefit caps, and nursery closure

The chair of Northamptonshire’s safeguarding children board has called for a review of local authority’s social worker recruitment process. The BBC reports that Kevin Crompton told councilors a review was “essential” after its adoption services and child protection were rated 'inadequate' by Ofsted. Crompton also wants the council to find ways of keeping good social workers.

Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has announced that the £500 a week benefit cap for lone parents and couples is now in place across the country. It means that anyone claiming benefits, including child benefits and tax credits, will no longer receive more than the average family earns. The reforms also limit benefit payments to £350 a week for single adults.

Munchkins Day Nursery has been closed while Ofsted and Birmingham City Council investigate claims that a two-year-old boy fell from a window. The Birmingham Mail reports that the toddler was hospitalised after plunging 20ft but "miraculously" did not suffer any serious injuries. Nursery manager David Holmes apologised for “the things that have happened” and reassured parents that the nursery is “fully complying” with Ofsted.