NSPCC response to Lord Laming Review

NSPCC director of services for children and young people, Wes Cuell said: "We are pleased that Lord Laming has recognised many of the NSPCC's concerns in his report - especially the need for strong political leadership locally and nationally and a renewed commitment to protect the most vulnerable children and to equip front-line workers to protect children in England better.

"We are encouraged that the Government has moved quickly to accept Lord Laming's recommendations.

"The Government must carry through its commitment to keep every child safe from harm by fully funding and implementing real change nationally and locally. It needs to work with local agencies to get experienced professionals back into the workforce and restore public confidence in them.

"From now on, protecting children must remain a national priority for the Government and a moral imperative for every local agency in England. Improving services requires skilled social workers, health, education and other professionals. It requires unwavering political and organisational leadership, transparency and accountability at all levels. Achieving that requires continuous day-in, day-out commitment.

"While Lord Laming found the safeguarding of children is generally improving, it is unacceptable that some of our most vulnerable children are still not getting proper protection from abuse and neglect.

"This report marks a new chapter in child protection - but there is still a long way to go. The challenge now is to equip front-line professionals, their managers and political leaders with the right skills and tools to protect England's most vulnerable children, wherever they live.

"We welcome the announcement of the new National Safeguarding Delivery Unit which takes child protection into the heart of government. The Unit must ensure that people working with children get the specialist training and support they need to safeguard children living in chaotic and dangerous families, particularly where there is drug or alcohol misuse, domestic violence or mental health issues. It needs to ensure professionals spend enough time with families and communicate with each other effectively.

"We also welcome the determination to make local safeguarding children's boards (LSCBs) more robust and to establish clearer lines of reporting and more secure funding arrangements. We hope that their new challenging role will help keep local children's best interests in sight at all times. They must ensure children are seen, listened to and can speak freely. They must help those working with children to challenge deceitful adults. And they must pick up and address poor practice which puts children at risk.

"Social workers have a very tough job and their success in protecting many thousands of children is often overlooked and unappreciated. They need the support of the nation."

The NSPCC will be examining the report in close detail.

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