Baby P spurs extra child protection on Tyneside

Dec 10 2008 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

THE death of Baby P has prompted workers on Tyneside to intensify their efforts to protect children.

North Tyneside’s Local Safeguarding Children Board is taking “extra steps” in the light of the case in London’s Haringey.

North Tyneside Council cabinet member for children Coun Norma Redfearn said: “Children and young people in North Tyneside in general are currently safe, secure and well looked after, but in the light of the recent tragic events surrounding Baby P, we must all take extra steps to ensure that our young people, and especially those most vulnerable, are protected and supported appropriately.”

Since the board was formed, regular government reviews have given it a top performance rating. An internal review in the past month described child protection as robust, with examples of very good working practices.

Coun Redfearn said: “North Tyneside’s high performing LSCB continues to work tirelessly to ensure the safeguarding and protection of our children. It is all of our responsibility to make sure our children are protected from harm, and the work of the LSCB leads the way in helping us to do this.”

The board brings together groups working with children in the borough. They include the council, North Tyneside Primary Care Trust, Northumbria Police, Northumbria Probation Service, Barnardo’s North East, the NSPCC, Northumbria Healthcare NHS trust and youth advice group Connexions Tyne & Wear.