The local authority, which drafted in specialist consultancy firm Impower in November 2012 in a bid to improve services, is the fifth authority to be graded inadequate in the space of a month.
Inspectors, who visited the authority between January and February this year, found that leaders had failed to ensure that vulnerable children at risk are protected.
"The application of thresholds is inconsistently, and at times, inappropriately, applied," the report states.
"Managers do not always recognise risk.
"This results in some children’s needs not being assessed or supported at the appropriate level."
Meanwhile arrangements for the management of children who are missing and at risk of child sexual exploitation was found to be "poor".
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
