Child protection, or the lack of it, is a subject rightly exercising the minds of the public and professionals alike. Such concern has been prompted by the horrific and tragic death of Baby P who died at the hands of adults who should have loved and cared for him and despite the close attention of those who should have protected him.

Anyone reading about the case will have been appalled by the child’s suffering and at the apparent failures of the system. The resulting outcry to ensure such a thing does not happen again is as understandable as it is laudable.

However, it must be remembered this case was a dreadful exception and most are not destined to end in such a grim fashion. Indeed, the jailing of a couple who mistreated their child, highlighted in today’s T&A, should offer some comfort for those concerned about vulnerable youngsters.

While the treatment of the child was in no-way comparable to that of Baby P, the women deserved their custodial sentences, sentences which send out the correct signals.

However, it is what happened before the matter reached court that is most reassuring. The teacher who became aware of this child’s suffering acted promptly and properly in calling the police. The police response was also what it should have been and the child was taken in to social services care where she remained – no doubt receiving the love and protection her own mother failed to give her.

Sadly, this case will not be the last of its kind in this area but the seemingly text-book response from the authorities shows what can and must be done in such instances. While there is no room for complacency, all concerned deserve high praise for a difficult job done well.