This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
From Monday 4 November, people should call 0845 650 0097, a 24-hour number dedicated to children’s safeguarding matters.
The existing duty number (01983) 814374 will remain in use until Monday 4 November.
The change is one of a number of measures being introduced since the Isle of Wight Council entered into a strategic partnership with Hampshire County Council on 1 July. Children’s Services was judged as inadequate by Ofsted following an inspection in November 2012.
Ofsted was critical of the way in which concerns about children were being handled when they were reported to the authority. The new number will ensure that callers are directed to the service most appropriate for their needs.
Councillor Richard Priest, Cabinet member for children’s services, said:
“We have made good progress since entering into partnership with Hampshire County Council, although there is still much work to do. This latest step is another of the measures we are putting in place to drive up standards and make sure concerns raised by members of the public are responded to appropriately.”
If anyone is concerned because they think that a child might be being abused and would like to talk to someone or ask someone to find out what is going on, they should call (01983) 814374, or 0845 650 0097 from Monday 4 November.
For all emergency situations call 999.
