The news follows the publication of the second batch of joint areareviews last week.
Sandwell Council in the West Midlands fared worst overall, with almosthalf of outcomes deemed inadequate. Inspectors warned there weresignificant delays in investigating child protection concerns.Looked-after children and those on the child protection register werenot allocated social workers.
Inspectors also lambasted Medway Council's arrangements for keepingchildren safe as inadequate.
Authorities rated as good overall included Gateshead, where effectivecommunication between police and social workers was praised, as well asanti-bullying initiatives and mental health support. Hackney, Hounslow,the Isle of Wight, Manchester and Northampton were also inspected.Labour councillor Darren Cooper, Sandwell's member for children andyoung people, said the report found the council's capacity forimprovement had improved, showing "real progress" had been made.
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