The percentage of permanent social workers in Croydon has been given a huge boost by the council in the wake of the Baby P tragedy.

A drive to recruit more full-time staff means 98 per cent of social workers in the borough will be permanent by November, compared to just 16 per cent at the start of the year.

Children and young people have also benefited from one of the first social work academies set up in the UK, which provides staff with intensive and structured training.

The academy, which has been run as a pilot since January, will be officially launched at Fairfield Halls on September 23.

Councillor Tim Pollard, cabinet member for children, young people and learners, said: “This has been a spectacular turn-around for our children’s’ social services department.

“In less than a year we have created a stable and committed team who have the full support of a professional training and development unit who will ensure that our work with young people meets the very highest standards in the country.

“Although agency social workers can at times be an essential part of the service, we are determined to maintain a team who can deliver consistent support to those who most need it.”