County's childcare service attacked

Ofsted inspectors found that most services intended to protect children's welfare in Kent were inadequate.

In around half the cases seen by inspectors, "significant concerns" were raised about the quality of care children were receiving.

And in the worst of those cases, vulnerable children were left "unprotected and were at risk of significant harm", the report added.

Inspectors found some failings to be so serious that immediate action was needed, including reviewing the current childcare caseload.

Council and social services officials accepted the findings and pointed out that referrals have risen sharply recently, adding to bulging workloads.

There were 1,362 children in Kent subject to child protection plans at the end of August.

In addition, 1,568 children, including 248 unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, were looked after by Kent County Council.