Loughton argues for a 'change in mindset' over safeguarding

Speaking at the annual National Children and Adult Services conference in London, Loughton said that safeguarding should not be off the agenda of local politicians when it comes to decision making.

"As we put more trust in frontline professionals, some workers tell me political leaders are treating safeguarding as an ancillary issue, that they are failing to connect with the frontline," he said. "Any failure to take that seriously leads to front-page headlines tomorrow."

Loughton added that a "change in mindset" is required from local authorities in order for recommendations made in Eileen Munro’s review of child protection to be implemented successfully.

"The challenge of improving practice will be best led by the sector, not from the centre," he said.

He added that he wanted to give a "gentle reminder" to local safeguarding children boards (LSCBs) that they should be publishing serious case reviews in full.

Loughton also reiterated his vision that young people should be involved in designing and assessing youth services.

Councils should be giving young people "the metaphysical keys" to the town hall to deliver services "young people really want", he said ahead of the imminent publication of the government's youth policy.

"We want young people at the top table, making decisions about young people in that area," he said. "This is not tokenism. Services are to receive an annual audit from young people."

Loughton also announced plans to scrap existing guidance for the provision of positive activities, currently running to 47 pages, and replace it with a document four pages long.

Speaking at the same event, Lib Dem children’s minister Sarah Teather said the financial situation for local authorities will not improve for some time, but added that progress can still be made.

"I know this is a tough situation and it is not going to get any better in the short-term but we can’t stand still," she said. "We have to put in place the right structural changes that will benefit us in the long-term. A great deal can change."