New head for children’s service

SOCIAL workers who faced stinging criticism after a series of child deaths and a sickening attack by two young brothers on two other boys have a new permanent boss who has vowed to improve standards.

Doncaster Council’s children’s services department is currently working under a Government-imposed “improvement plan” after seven children known to social services died and the shocking child attacks in Edlington.

Tracey Newcomb, 42, has now been appointed as head of the Children’s Assessment Service, which the authority said acts as the “front door” for assessment of children and their families across the borough.

Mrs Newcomb, who was previously head of social work at Nottingham City Council, has also worked as a consultant to improve practice at Leicester City Council.

She said: “Despite the difficulties that Doncaster has had over recent years, I have already seen in my short time here that the leadership team is committed to achieving better performance and for children and their families.

“The service has come a long way over the last year, and I’m really looking forward to driving improvements.”