WATCHDOGS given the task of combatting truancy and looking after the welfare of Cheshire's schoolchildren are in crisis, a new report has revealed.

An internal review of the county council's education welfare service paints a damning picture of an organisation driven by poor communication, low morale and strangled by red tape.

Staff have complained that internal communications are often 'unclear and confusing' - and communication between fellow workers across the county has broken down in some instances.

Workers within the welfare service have long-standing grievances about their own professional status, according to a report by Fintan Bradley, the county's inclusion and social improvement manager.

His review also admits there are no clear ways of measuring the effectiveness of the welfare service, which not only monitors school absences but is responsible for safeguarding youngsters who work and children who work in TV, modelling or on stage.

The strategy for pupils' attendance at school is 'not shared or fully understood', continues Mr Bradley, and ad hoc decisions are taken.

Teachers are divided over the work of the service - in a survey their opinion of the unit ranged from 'very high' to 'very low', often based on their first-hand impression of staff in action.

Schools have demanded an extra say in how the welfare service operates and County Hall appears to share their concerns.

Education leaders are contemplating a complete overhaul of the current service, delegating responsibility to borough-based teams so local schools can see the unit is accountable and responsible.

If the plan is approved it will be published for staff consultation.