In an article dated November 15, 2008 in The Times :
"The headteachers of 61 state-funded primary schools and seven secondary schools in the North London borough say her resignation would be detrimental to their pupils.
In they open letter the say they have been compelled to show their support for Shoesmith and consider her “an outstanding public servant”.
They added: “Should the Child P case result in her loss from the borough, then our children and young people will lose one of their most effective, determined and committed champions.”
“Initially, in her role of director of education, Shoesmith transformed a demoralised education service, derided by many headteachers, into one with which we are now proud to be associated.
“The exceptional rate of improvement of many of the borough’s schools would not have been possible without the support of the service that Ms Shoesmith rebuilt, revitalised and led.
“Since more recently becoming the director of Haringey’s Children and Young People’s Service, Shoesmith has continued to work relentlessly and with a determination that the service she leads and develops ensures best practice in providing education, care, support and protection for all of our young people.”
Let's look dispassionately at the evidence that is emerging :
Here on the 15th September 2010:
Appearing before the education select committee, Shoesmith said
"To construct a narrative so simple – which told the public that Peter Connelly died because Haringey was uniquely weak, sack everyone from the director to the social workers and all would be well – was quite frankly absurd."
She said the case had had a profound impact on children's services. "The whole sector is now motivated by a fear of failure, and not the conditions for success."
The number of children coming into care had increased by 30% and the number subject to a child protection plan had doubled, she said.
But such measures appeared to have had scant impact on the number of children dying at the hands of parents and close relatives. "These are shocking statistics and statistics that are not known," she said. They are absolutely too abhorrent for us to even consider."
And here in the Telegraph 1st April 2010 :
The report into Haringey Council's handling of the Baby P scandal was "beefed up" to help justify the removal of the controversial head of children's services Sharon Shoesmith, her lawyers have claimed.
Previously undisclosed documents reveal how Ofsted inspectors deleted relevant emails and ignored positive aspects of their findings, focusing instead on harsh criticisms of management.
It has also been alleged that changes to the report were made following interference and pressure from the office of Ed Balls, the Children's Secretary.
