AN improvement plan to tackle failing children's services in Teesside is set to be discussed by councillors later this month.

Middlesbrough Borough Council has also appointed deputy mayor Antony High to spearhead the authority's recovery plan for its children's social care services, which were last month rated as "inadequate".

Ofsted inspectors highlighted "serious and widespread" failings in key areas including the progress of children needing protection, the experience of those in care and the effectiveness of leadership.

An extraordinary meeting of the council takes place on Wednesday to discuss the Ofsted findings, while a report on the service’s improvement plan due to be considered by the council’s executive on Tuesday, February 18.

Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston, who was elected last May, took personal responsibility for the situation and apologised to the children and people of Middlesbrough, pledging to work with partners to put matters right.

Now Middlesbrough Deputy Mayor Councillor Antony High, has been appointed to take the lead on children's safeguarding, while Councillor Barrie Cooper will concentrate on education and skills.

Cllr High said: “There’s nothing more important than the safety and well-being of our children, and it’s the single most critical function the council has.

“The Ofsted inspectors found us wanting across the board, and that’s a wake-up call that action is needed, and needed now.

“That work is already under way, and its focus will be firmly fixed on the young people who rely so much on these services.

“It’s also vital that we and our partners have the right team in place to make the improvements required of us, and that they have the political support that enables them to deliver lasting and effective change.”

Mr Preston said: “We’ve been found wanting, we fully accept Ofsted’s findings and we will put this right.

“Antony brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role, and he’s the right man for the job.

“He’s worked with Ofsted in the past, and has a great track record of trouble-shooting organisations and getting them back on course.

“I’m confident his drive and ability will help to deliver improvements at the pace required of us by the Department for Education and Ofsted.”