WATCHDOGS have removed their red flag over safeguarding measures for the most vulnerable children in West Cheshire.

Two years ago, Ofsted inspectors rated the system, which involves Cheshire West and Chester Council working with other organisations, as inadequate.

The council was later issued with an improvement notice.

Since its inception, it had been struggling with weak management in children’s social care and poor social work decision making it had inherited.

Last month a team of six inspectors led by Gary Lamb turned up unannounced on the council’s HQ doorstep and asked to see the files.

Their 10 day inspection included a deep probe of almost 100 of the most difficult cases being handled by the council.

Mr Lamb concluded there had been a ‘significant’ improvement and the council was now meeting the minimum standard.

An effective child protection system was in place to ensure the most vulnerable children who need protection were safeguarded.

‘Significant strides’ had been made in child protection social work practice and in joint child protection work with other organisations.

The number of social work posts had been increased to meet the demand for the service and social workers’ case loads were now ‘manageable’ so they had time to spend with children and families to help reduce risk for children.

To achieve further improvement, Mr Lamb has asked for ‘immediate’ action to ensure young people are not detained unnecessarily in police station cells.

Within three months the council should ensure child protection plans highlight the most important issues first, along with other steps.

Action within six months should ensure that arrangements are developed to provide comprehensive early support which meets the needs of children, young people and their families among other measures.

Welcoming the report, children’s director Gerald Meehan commented: “Ofsted have told me that this was one of the quickest turnarounds in performance that they have ever known.”

Ellesmere Port councillor Pat Merrick (Lab), added:“Ofsted’s judgement is a big step forward. I am confident that all our most vulnerable children will now receive the excellent service they deserve.”