AT THE last official count, 104 children were on the child protection list in Swindon.

This disturbing statistic one of many of its kind that will be presented to Swindon Council's ruling cabinet on Wednesday is above the national average.

This figure represents 25 per 10,000 children. The national average is 23 per 10,000.

Of the 45,850 children aged up to 19 living in Swindon, 1,161 were found to be 'in need' during the most recent census. This was much higher than the national average 276 per 10,000 compared with 197.

The number of children being 'looked after' on a permanent basis by the council was 205, a lower number than in most other regions 49 per 10,000 against 55 nationally. But this is a 21 per cent rise since 2001.

Councillors will be told by Social Services chief officer Keith Skerman that most of Swindon's vulnerable children live in Penhill, Pinehurst, Park North, Park South and Walcot East.

Mr Skerman will also reveal that in a two-month period Social Services monitored:

l 101 children who have suffered from abuse or neglect, but who are judged to be safe in their current living arrangements, though need being kept under close observation.

l 63 children in families who suffer from severe stress and are in need of support.

l 63 children whose development is impaired or delayed.

Mr Skerman said: "It is likely that children will have come to the attention of other agencies before a referral is made to Social Services.

"Children are likely to be referred to Social Services when they are older, suggesting that difficulties are already compounded."

Of the 21 per cent escalation of 'looked after' children, Mr Skerman said: "We are not able to avoid making placements where this is deemed to be in the best interests of the child and it is this fact that causes the budget to be volatile.

"Swindon has done well in fulfilling its corporate parenting role."

Councillor Jemima Milton (Con, Chiseldon and Wroughton), lead member for Social Services, said: "If a child is on the list it means we're aware of the situation and have it in hand. The big concern is when a child is taken off the list and we then discover later that he or she has to go back on. Those are danger signals.

"One of the major problems, as ever, is a shortage of staff, but in the area of child protection and welfare we just cannot afford to take any risks."

Michael Litchfield