As Haringey LBC last week published the findings of its serious case review into the Baby Peter case, Ofsted also published analysis of 147 reviews showing the number of child deaths has dropped. Chris Smith looks at the key conclusions for children's services departments at a time of severe budget constraints and rising demand.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. A more appropriate mantra for children's services is unlikely to be found, as the same issues which have defined the sector have returned during the past 12 months.