Childcare experts are stepping up measures to keep paedophiles away from Oxfordshire's children, writes Richard Abbott

The county council is increasing its vigilance and sensitivity to the dangers posed by child abusers when it recruits staff.

Phil Hodgson, assistant director of social services, said: "We are determined that children will be properly protected from the few people who want to do them harm, physically or sexually.

"It is their right and our duty.

"Consistently, over many years, we have been improving the way we run our children's homes and provide other child-care services."

The pledge comes ahead of the expected recommendation of the Waterhouse Inquiry into abuse in Wales in the 1960s and 1970s that children need a 'champion for their rights'.

Oxfordshire was the first county in Britain to create a (CORRECT). Her role remains unique in the country. A special children's committee will be launched in April. Action already being taken includes independent inspections of Oxfordshire's four children's homes, monthly reports by external managers and strict procedures on recruiting and vetting staff.

The four homes - Warwick House, Maltfield House and Holme Leigh in Oxford, and Thornbury House, Kidlington - are under review and may be split into smaller units.

The aim would be to reduce the number of children in each of the homes from roughly eight to four, to increase one-to-one contact with carers and help address the youngsters' personal problems.

Story date: Monday 07 February

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