Fall in child-safety incidents receives cautious welcome

Multiple serious incidents regarding the welfare of vulnerable children in Leeds were notified last year, new figures show.

- by Harriet Sutton

Multiple serious incidents regarding the welfare of vulnerable children in Leeds were notified last year, new figures show.

Serious incidents involve death or serious harm to a child where abuse or neglect is known or suspected, and any death of a looked-after child.

These incidents must be notified by local authorities to the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel which will review them, and to the Secretary of State for Education and Ofsted for those relating to the death of a looked-after child.

The number of serious incidents notified across England has declined in recent years, but a child-protection charity said reform and investment are still needed to keep children safe.