Calderdale accused of 'systemic failure' after child deaths

The reports by the Calderdale Safeguarding Children Board claim that the Initial Response Team in the care services department of Calderdale Council exhibited "poor professional practice". The board recommends a systemic review and improvement to the performance of the team.

The reviews also identify shortcomings in NHS services.

Both children died from natural causes in late 2007, and although there was no definite conclusion that abuse or neglect were contributory factors, the reviews express concern about compliance with safeguarding procedures by agencies.

Paul Brennan, acting group director of children and young people's services at Calderdale Council, said: "There is no suggestion in these reports that these deaths would have been prevented by better social work help. However, we're working with these families and our work was found wanting, it should have been better."

He said that the council had instituted more training for social workers and managers since the deaths. The work of social workers is checked more regularly and in more detail, and staff work more regularly with the police, health visitors, hospitals and doctors, he added.