Children's social care services are ‘inadequate' at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, according to the findings of a new Ofsted inspection.

The report warned children faced ‘serious and widespread' delays in having their needs met across children's services and vulnerable children are not being safeguarded.

In response, the council said it was taking immediate action to improveme children's services, including a multi-million pound investment and the appointment of a new management team.

Council leader, Ann James, said: ‘We take the ruling by Ofsted extremely seriously and are very concerned by the findings.'

The report highlighted 15 key areas that need to improve, including management oversight and direction, urgent and robust child protection responses, the capacity of staff, the quality of assessments and case recording, and support for vulnerable children.

Cllr Janine Bridges, the council's cabinet member for education and economy, added: ‘Ofsted has given us a clear direction on where we need to improve.'