CONTROVERSIAL proposals to extend the contract of the private firm running children's services in Stoke-on-Trent will be discussed by councillors tomorrow.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council's transformation and resources overview and scrutiny committee will review the decision to enter into contract negotiations with Serco.

The company employs children and young people's services director Ged Rowney and four deputy directors to oversee the delivery of education and child care services.

Serco was appointed in May 2007 following a series of damning reports on the council's education and child protection services.

On April 29, the council's executive and members' board agreed in private to look at extending Serco's three-year, £5.2 million contract for up to 12 months after it is due to expire in April next year.

The scrutiny committee will consider the request behind closed doors on the grounds that the discussion may reveal commercially sensitive information.