VULNERABLE youngsters in East Lothian are benefitting from a strong child-centred culture – but failings in communication remain a concern following a recent Government inspection.

The joint inspection of children and young people’s services in East Lothian praised the work of staff working with youngsters who are being ‘looked after’ in the county.

But it said there were weaknesses when it came to planning and leadership, higher up the ranks.

The report said: “There is a strong, child-centred culture which empowers staff to work together closely in the best interests of children and young people.

“There are consistent, high-quality responses to children and young people at risk of abuse.” But it added: “There are some important weaknesses in the planning arrangements for integrated children’s services and the work of the Child Protection Committee.” The inspection was carried out during October and November last year. There are currently 205 children in the county who are classed as ‘looked after’.

Criticism of the role of the Child Protection Committee, set up to bring together all the organisations involved in protecting children in the area, included a lack of communication.

The report found committee members were not receiving the information they needed to identify and manage potential risks.

And it said the committee had stopped annual reports on its work to improve services, and failed to act on recommendations by the Care Inspectorate issued in 2011.

Mike Ash, chairman of East Lothian Community Health Care Partnership, said following the report a new public protection unit had been established, which brought child and adult protection services under one roof.

He said: “I am glad the inspectors recognised our ability to improve and highlighted areas for action that we have already begun delivering on as a matter of priority.” The report found three of the nine quality indicators inspected were very good, two were good, three adequate and one – planning and improving services – weak.