The picture of a blond angelic boy known as Baby P has been a fixture in newspapers since his mother and two men were found guilty of causing his death.

The tragedy of the toddler from Haringey occurred after 17 months of horrific abuse, which social workers failed to stop, and has led to inquiries being launched into the roles of the agencies involved.

The children’s services department in Harrow oversees all issues related to the welfare of young people from adoption to internet safety. In five years, there has not been a death of a child in care, however director of children’s services Paul Clark says the department remains vigilant.

He said: "I would be foolish to say it (Baby P) would never happen here, but we work very hard at Harrow to not accept what we are told and challenge people we are working with and each other."

By challenge, the director means questioning the variety of agencies that work with children on the Local Safeguarding Children Board which includes the police, social workers, teachers and healthcare officials.

There are currently 144 children in the borough who are in residential accommodation or foster care.

There are a further 144 children on child protection plans who are living at home and monitored by social services.

In addition there are a further 150 families who have approached the council for help and are currently being offered support.

The main reason children are in care is because of neglect or abuse, with

43 per cent of cases involving parents failing to care for children or subjecting them to emotional or physical abuse.

This is followed by absent parenting at 18 per cent, when a parent abandons a child.

Mr Clark regularly meets with social workers and children to ensure the

system is working well.

He said: "In the care protection plans it could be something as simple as a child needing to learn how to ride a bike or take drama classes.

"We deal with emotional issues, but also the everyday aspects of being a child."

The NSPCC has called for an urgent review of child protection plans at local councils to find those at risk of the most serious harm.

Solicitor Amanjit Lalli, head of the childcare department at Duncan Lewis and C Solicitors, which has offices in Peterborough Road, Harrow, has acted on behalf of parents and guardians of children. In her experience, early intervention is the key to protecting young people in danger.

She said: "Recently I have noticed that local authorities are not issuing proceedings and that is a concern as they are not taking steps to protect children.

"It is encouraging that the authorities will work with the families and try to help them, but they do not start proceedings quickly enough."

In Harrow, Mr Clark believes in putting the child at the centre of all proceedings to ensure they are safe.

He said: "I always think – in the words of Lord Laming who did the inquiry on Victoria Climbie – what is life like for this child every day?

"We put the child at the centre of our proceedings."