‘Lack confidence in management’ report follows toddler Katie Eden's death

The findings were revealed as Thurrock’s social services team comes under increasing pressure following claims by a whistleblower that a string of failings by the management team contributed to the death of a 23-month toddler in January.

An inquest held last month heard the coroner say two “specialist pathologists” failed to find a cause of young Katie Eden death.

The latest report into safeguarding and management of children’s social care outlines the results of a staff survey which found just 27 percent of children’s services staff agree changes are made for the better.

The staff survey also notes that just 42 percent of staff felt they can meet the requirements of their job without excessive working hours.

Other areas in need of improvement include confidence to challenge how things are done in the council and staffing levels. Children’s Services currently has a vacancy rate of 13.64 percent

The results of the survey were not completely negative and it was noted that staff generally have a high level of job satisfaction. Just 9 percent said they are unhappy.

As part of the council’s effort to make improvements to children’s services, a new social care model was also introduced in the last week.

It focuses on how professional workers such as social workers, teachers, doctors and police can work with parents to meet children’s needs.

A central government evaluation from 2017 found that social workers were “overwhelmingly positive” about the new way of working.

Councillor Sue Little, portfolio holder for social care, said: “By providing a joined-up approach to how we work we can further ensure that the best care is given to the children and families who need it. The Signs of Safety model has been introduced in many local authorities across the country seeing great success, and we look forward to seeing this replicated in Thurrock.”

No further comment has been made on the toddler’s death.