Following the inquiry into the death of Victoria Climbie in 2000, our nationwide systems of education and social care for children and young people were fundamentally changed.

Out went education authorities and social services and in came children’s services authorities. Out went area child protection committees and in came safeguarding children boards. In came children’s trusts, common assessment frameworks and integrated services. And “every child matters” became the credo on the lips of all involved in education.

How many billions of pounds did this reconstruction, reconfiguration, reorganisation and restructuring cost?

We have reshuffled the deck chairs, but as a headteacher of almost 20 years, I wonder whether we have really made it safer for the most at-risk children in our society.

Certainly, I wish from the bottom of my heart that recent events had proved me wrong.

Now, after the death of Baby P, we face another inquiry. Will it be a case of “Here we go again”? Will we once more reshuffle the bureaucratic processes, or will we at last improve our frontline services?

How many more innocents must die?

Les Turner, Little Singleton, Lancashire.