Agencies in Staffordshire have been told to do more to tackle child sexual abuse in family environments.

Inspectors found that organisations respond in a 'timely and effective' way to initial concerns over abuse within families, with practitioners being 'curious and child focused'.

But there is sometimes inconsistency in the response children and families receive, and work to develop a strategy for child sexual abuse in the family environment is not proceeding quickly enough.

These were among the findings of a joint targeted area inspection of Staffordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (SSCP), carried out in June by Ofsted, the Care Quality Commission and other agencies.

Partners, including Staffordshire County Council, the police and NHS, were told to make a number of improvements to services.

The pace of implementing a clear strategy needs to accelerate, and there also needs to be more consistent sharing of information between agencies.

Inspectors also raised concerns that child sexual abuse in a family environment is not always named and is therefore 'not always given sufficient focus'.

But the inspectors also found a number of strengths, saying that senior officers at the county council have been 'very focused' on the needs of abused children and 'instrumental' at ensuring that intentions are turned into actions.

And there is also a consistent emphasis across the workforce on the importance of understanding the voice of the child.

The inspectors' letter to the partnership state: "The multi-agency safeguarding arrangements are slowly developing the partnership approach to child sexual abuse in the family environment.

"Changes in personnel, restructures and amalgamations have led to the pace of change across the wider partnership being too slow to consistently respond to child sexual abuse in the family environment."

SSCP has welcomed the inspectors' findings and says that work to address the issues raised is already under way. A new strategy shaped by survivors and specialist organisations is in the process of being finalised.

Bernie Brown, director of children's services at the county council, said: "Keeping children safe is our highest priority, and we welcome this inspection as an important opportunity to learn and improve.

"The report recognises the commitment of staff and partners across Staffordshire, while also making clear where we as a Partnership need to do more.

"We accept the findings and are already acting on them, including improving information sharing, strengthening consistency and moving forward with our partnership strategy so children receive the right support and protection."

Councillor Nick Lakin, cabinet member for children and young people, added: "No child should ever have to experience abuse, and our focus is on making sure children and young people in Staffordshire are listened to, protected and supported. This inspection gives us a clear direction for further improvement.

"We are working closely with police, health, schools and voluntary sector partners to strengthen support for children and families and to act quickly when concerns are raised."