Government's 'serious concerns' for Doncaster revealed in action plan

Children's minister Dawn Primarolo wrote to the mayor directing that the authority must adhere to the 18-point plan which included setting up a children's board to monitor standards.

She admitted there had been progress in foster care, but stated the journey to improvement had "a very long way to go".

"I continue to have the most serious concerns about Doncaster's ability to protect vulnerable children or to ensure high quality provision across social services more generally, and think a formal direction is absolutely vital," she said.

"My officials will discuss a set of draft performance targets with you and colleagues. None of the action I am taking removes responsibility from you, from Doncaster's members or its officers for improvement in relation to Doncaster's children's services.

"It is my intention that this new intervention should provide proportionate challenge and support to help you achieve the very significant improvements which are necessary."

The plan states the council had to establish the children's board by the end of last year and as well as monitoring performance, it would also make recommendations to the authority on issues in the department and on future appointments to the senior leadership team. It also detailed who the council should appoint to chair the board, and said any future appointments would be nominated by the Secretary of State.

"This direction shall be reviewed on an annual basis and remain in place until the Secretary of State is satisfied."