Local authorities are learning lessons from serious child abuse cases, but more needs to be done, according to Ofsted. Despite 66% of serious case reviews (SCRs) being judged ‘good' or adequate', the inspection body has outlined weaknesses in more than one-third (34%) of the cases. In a new report, Ofsted said evidence suggested local safeguarding children boards (LSCB) were taking a more ‘robust' approach in carrying out SCRs. Christine Gilbert, Her Majesty's chief inspector, said there were encouraging signs of improvement as agencies and local authorities rigorously examined processes and practices. ‘However, much more work needs to be done to address the remaining weaknesses, and to ensure that lessons lead to improved outcomes for children and young people. It is of great concern that over one-third of reviews are still judged inadequate.' Ofsted said a greater number of LSCBs had initiated reviews, which resulted in 173 SCRs being carried out this year.
