Middlesbrough children's social care service 'inadequate'

Ofsted inspectors have branded children's social care services in Middlesbrough as inadequate.

In a report published today the agency has highlighted a series of "serious and widespread" failures.

This inspection was led by its lead inspector Jan Edwards.

The report states:

• Watch Rachel Bullock's full report here:

The report judged services inadequate in four areas.

These are the impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families; the experiences and progress of children who need help and protection; the experiences and progress of children in care and care leavers; overall effectiveness.

It has set out a series of improvements that it wants to see from the Middlesbrough Council.

The town's mayor, Andy Preston, said: