Lib Dems call for action to protect vulnerable children

2.10.15pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 21st Aug 2008

The Lib Dems are calling for immediate action to protect Surrey's children after a shocking report on services for vulnerable children.

The report has angered local residents after delivering a damning verdict on the Conservative County Council.

THREE out of five assessment areas were rated inadequate by the Government report.

The worst aspects of the report included a failure to adequately check the criminal records of staff - potentially leaving vulnerable children with criminals.

The Conservative-run council was also criticised for excluding children with learning difficulties and pregnant children from education.

Children with disabilities often found they could not attend school because of insufficient access to school nurses to provide medication.

Zöe Franklin said, "This report is absolutely shocking. The County Council are failing our children in so many areas. They need to take immediate action to look after our most vulnerable children."

County Cllr Pauline Searle added, "The Conservative leader of the County Council should resign over this mess. It is an appalling situation."