THE county's children's services have been rated 'inadequate'.

A report, published by Ofsted this morning (January 24), slams the services provided byWorcestershire County Council - and highlights "widespread and serious failures".

An inspection took place last Autumn into the county's services for children in need of protection, children in care and care leavers.

In addition, the effectiveness of the Local Safeguarding Children Board "requires improvement".

Ofsted say the county council's "corporate failure" has left children "at continued risk of significant harm."

The report states: "There are widespread and serious failures in the services provided to children in Worcestershire who need help and protection and children looked after.

"Services for care leavers are inadequate, because young people leaving care do not consistently receive the necessary support to make a successful transition to adulthood.

"Services for children in need of adoption require improvement.

"Elected members and senior leaders have not taken sufficient action to ensure the protection of vulnerable children.

"This corporate failure leaves children in Worcestershire at continued risk of significant harm."

The county council operates ten children's homes and each one was rated good or outstanding by Ofsted in their most recent inspection.

A previous inspection into services for safeguarding children - conducted in October 2010 - judged the authority to be inadequate.