Review launched after Baby P death
An urgent child welfare review is under way in the borough where a 17-month-old boy was killed after months of abuse.
Children's Secretary Ed Balls ordered the inquiry by Ofsted, the Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection and the Chief Inspector of Constabulary into services in Haringey, north London, on Wednesday, after receiving a report detailing a string of failings involved in the case of the child, known as Baby P.
Mr Balls said the review - due to make an initial report by December 1 - would involve a "thorough inspection" of all services responsible for safeguarding children in Haringey.
"The case of Baby P is tragic and appalling," he said. "It is our duty to take whatever action is needed to ensure that such a tragedy doesn't happen again, that lessons are learned and that children in Haringey are safe."
The toddler died in a blood-spattered cot in August last year after spending much of his short life being used as a punchbag.
His mother's 32-year-old boyfriend and another man, Jason Owen, 36, were convicted at the Old Bailey on Tuesday of causing or allowing his death. The court heard that social workers, police and health professionals failed to save him despite 60 visits over eight months, during which he suffered more than 50 injuries.
The mother and the two men have been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on December 15.
It has been claimed that the mother believes she will be home for Christmas, with the other two feeling little remorse.
A police source told the Daily Mail: "None of them appear to be worried or sorry about what happened to the baby. The mother thinks she will be home for Christmas."
The death of Baby P comes as a heavy blow to Haringey, which was severely criticised following the death of eight-year-old Victoria Climbie in 2000.
