Whitehall and local government officials have warned Ofsted must raise its game after the problems uncovered by the case of Baby P.

A Whitehall official told The MJ that its future, in its current form, is in doubt because the Haringey case had exposed long-known weaknesses in the inspection system.

Although plans to change assessments are in place, Whitehall insiders say Ofsted's reputation has suffered. ‘Christine Gilbert [chief inspector of schools] was brought in to turn Ofsted around. She's the right person but Ofsted has been about schools. Social services isn't in its DNA.'

Council leaders and directors of social services have expressed their anger at Ofsted over the latest round of performance assessments - which have been revised - and its statements following the events at Haringey.

Education secretary, Ed Balls, has expressed concern at council social services departments following the case of Baby P and is awaiting the findings of Lord Laming's latest review, due in the new year.

He has given his backing to Ofsted and chief inspector Christine Gilbert but has expressed concern at the low levels of best practice which has only now been brought to light by the inspectorate.

Following the watchdog's assessment of Haringey LBC, Mr Balls said he ‘did not have confidence' that best practice was exercised everywhere.

He added: ‘It is vital that Ofsted has the experience in its inspectors. It is right that from next year, we are moving to a different and tougher regime.'

He also called for stronger leadership by directors at local level to improve work between agencies.

One director of children's services recently rated by Ofsted described Mr Balls' comments as ‘shabby'.

The MJ was told that although the inspection system was flawed, councils deserved better. ‘There is an over-emphasis on data, but the criticism is a disservice to staff,' he said.