Children's services at Kirklees Council have been rated "inadequate" after an inspection that took place between 12 September and 6 October identified concerns in more than a third of children's cases looked at, including unrecognised neglect and abuse. Services had previously been rated as "good" following an inspection in November 2011.
The DfE has issued a direction notice appointing Eleanor Brazil as commissioner of children's services at the local authority and have asked her to prepare a report by 31 March 2017 on whether alternative delivery arrangements are the most effective way of securing and sustaining improvement.
It follows Ofsted inspectors identifying "serious and widespread" concerns during their visit.
"Much of the social work support is poor, including inadequate assessments, decision making, planning and management oversight," the inspection report states.
"As a result, some children are not having their needs met and are remaining in high-risk environments for too long, and there are serious delays in actions being taken to protect them."
The report reveals that in August 2015, the chief executive was alerted to concerns about social work practice by the local safeguarding children board. As a result, an external review of services was commissioned that identified "serious concerns".
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