Children's services in the Island will be scrutinised by a team of seven independent inspectors this autumn.

The evaluation, which will focus on child protection, will be conducted by the Scottish Government’s Care Inspectorate who will speak directly to children and their families.

The inspectorate will evaluate how well those charged with looking after children and young people protect them and meet their needs.

It will focus on overall planning for Children’s Services, in particular provision for looked-after children, youngsters with disabilities and those the subject of child protection plans.

Social Care Minister Chris Robertshaw says the findings will be made public when a report is presented to Tynwald next year.