The leader of Pembrokeshire County Council has said the authority is making good progress although he accepts there is still more to do in addressing issues highlighted around children's safeguarding procedures.

Clr. Jamie Adams said the council had the right 'building blocks' in place to ensure a successful outcome.

He continued: "Already I have observed a change in the authority's culture, the strengthening of many of our safeguarding policies and procedures and a change in the approach of our senior officers."

Clr. Adams's comments are contained in a nine-page letter to Education Minister, Leighton Andrews, and the Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services, Gwenda Thomas.

The letter is a response to a letter from the Ministers which expressed 'grave concerns' over the council's performance over safeguarding.

In the letter, Clr. Adams responds to specific criticisms levelled at the authority and sets out in detail the progress the council has made.

Among the improvements he lists are: delivery and completion of an action plan which was prepared at request of ministers; strengthening human resources procedures and tightening of checking and vetting procedures; moves to strengthen challenge by elected members, including the establishment of a scrutiny committee specifically to deal with safeguarding issues and chaired by an opposition member; improvements to the council's whistle-blowing policy; additional capacity to investigate allegations; improved performance of the Pupil Referral Unit in Neyland.

In concluding the letter, Clr. Adams states: "I have been quoted on a number of occasions as describing this process of improvement as a journey.

"I would like to place on record my admiration for our front-line staff who deliver, on a daily basis, critical services for children and young people in Pembrokeshire. The environment in which they work is challenging, and yet they consistently achieve good outcomes for the children who need our support.

"We have not yet reached our final destination, but I trust that the evidence provided in this letter demonstrates that we are making good progress. I am confident that, with your continued support, we will get to where we need to be.

"I acknowledge the concerns outlined in your letter. I have given you my personal assurance that I am prepared to demonstrate strong leadership and take tough decisions where it is necessary to do so.

"I give you my further commitment that this authority will do everything that could be expected of it to keep children in Pembrokeshire safe," concluded Clr. Adams.