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Ofsted's chief inspector today apologised for failing to disclose potential evidence during Sharon Shoesmith's High Court battle over her sacking.
Ms Shoesmith, 56, was dismissed from her £130,000-a-year post last December after a damning Ofsted report on her department's failings.
The former head of children's services at Haringey council wants the decision to sack her declared unlawful by the High Court.
The inspectorate was forced to admit making a “serious and deeply regrettable error” in failing to disclose notes, emails and a draft report during the high-profile case.
A High Court judge re-opened the case after Ofsted's admission.
Today, Christine Gilbert, the watchdog's chief inspector, said: “This was an error for which we apologise without reservation.”
Ofsted is facing a barrage of criticism from councils, head teachers and MPs over the way it inspects services. Council leaders claim the watchdog is more concerned with protecting its own reputation than preventing children from being abused.
Ms Gilbert refused to back down on her tough new inspection system for councils in the aftermath of the Baby Peter tragedy. “Yes, Ofsted has become more demanding of local authorities and I make no apology for this,” she said. “If our work saves just one child from abuse, torture or death then this is justified.”
Her report warned that councils were still failing to protect children from abuse a year on from Baby P.
Reader views (5)
What is the opposite in English for "Whistleblower"
- Jim Alan, Bin There, 25/11/2009 10:53
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Ms Gilbert is defending Ofsted against Local Councils, Teachers and MPs complaints. Her organisation is so perfect that it cannot even find the paperwork it is required to deliver to a Court!
- Dave B, Beckenham, 24/11/2009 14:29
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That's rich. Ofsted apologises for NOT disclosing various notes, drafts and emails during this high profile case.
They are reported to have stated that this was a 'regrettable error'
I doubt if the public will see it that way.
It would seem that notes, reports and drafts have a way of NOT being presented or checked for GROSS ERRORS in MANY investigations or probes into child protection matters in practice !
- Darnthesafetynet, London W11 1NR, 24/11/2009 14:03
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Strange this. At the time I and many others said we would hear the usual platitudes, 'Lessons will be learned' and that we would also see the same result 'Nothing changes'. So now, how about if you foul up you lose your job!!! That should concentrate a few minds into actually learning from errors, and doing something about it. Look at the private sector, employees have lost their jobs for recording working hours wrongly, never mind allowing a child to die.
- Alan, carlisle uk, 24/11/2009 11:54
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Many individuals who have had no choice but to report that children who they know well are being abused, to the relevant authorities, have much to say regarding how they and their child abuse reports are being responded to, accounted for, recorded, documented and followed up.
They have much to say regarding the outcomes for the children and many good workable ideas as to how many more IDENTIFIED being abused children could be 'saved' from being further damaged.
If there is to be any REAL effort to learn the lessons and to improve the situation for many IDENTIFIED at risk children, the EXPERIENCE of those who have had to report children at abuse must be EXAMINED and INCLUDED in building a better way forward within child protection ability, in practice.
- Darnthesafetynet, London W11 1NR, 24/11/2009 11:36
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