BOURNEMOUTH'S most vulnerable children are being failed, according to the NPSCC.

The town's children's service has been rated as 'requires improvement' by Ofsted in the inspectorate's third Social Care Annual Report.

Ofsted’s chief inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw said: "The picture of performance we are publishing shows there is clearly an on-going need for improvement. While we have seen some green shoots of progress, too many areas are still failing the children they are charged with protecting.

"This report shows that the context of a local authority, including size, deprivation and funding, cannot be used as an excuse for poor performance. If some authorities can succeed in difficult circumstances, so can others."

An NSPCC spokesman said: "We want to see more of a focus on intervening early to prevent children suffering abuse and being taken into care.

"In addition, we know that following abuse, many young victims will have to wrestle with mental health issues but will be faced with totally inadequate services unable offer the right level of support.

"Our It’s Time campaign has highlighted this problem and is urging government to provide therapy for any child who has been abused."