The number of children referred to the care of Nottingham City Council has increased during the past year, according to figures published today.

Council officers claim the rise is due to a more cautious approach being adopted by social workers following the Baby P case in London/

Baby P died while in the care of Haringey Council. Following the death the authority's social work department was criticised for the way it handled the case.

The figures released today show 508 children are now in the care of the city council - up 18 (4%) on the number at March 31, 2009.

The increase in referrals is predominantly due to fears over abuse or neglect.

The majority of the children have been accommodated in privately run residential homes.

The number of asylum seeking children has gone up slightly, according to the figures, from 91 to 94, during the year.

A report will be discussed by city councillors today at the Corporate Parenting Board, which meets at 2.30pm at the Council House.