- Merry Christmas from WSCP Business Unit Team - Office Opening Hours
- Help Keep Christmas Safe & Joyful for Children
- NEW - Working Together to Safeguard Children Guidance & Framework 2023
- WSCP Launch New Updated Resources Around Adversity, Trauma & Resilience (ATR)
- Professional Curiosity & Challenge - What This Means For Us As a District
- Education Updates
- Multi-Agency Training Dates
- Multi-Agency Neglect: A Shared Responsibility Training
- Have You Attended MA Neglect Training? - Share Your Feedback
- Neglect Champions Drop-In Session - February 2024
- YLC Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
- HENRY Healthy Families Group Programme
- Foundation Programme in Public Health
- Tech Guidance for Parents & Carers - Help Children Stay Safe Online!
- Safety Information for Families this Christmas
- Dangerous Baby Products Being Sold Online
- NCMD Updates
- NSPCC Updates
- Useful Contact Numbers - Support Services Available in the Wakefield District
- Cost of Living Support
- Useful Links
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1. Merry Christmas from WSCP Business Unit Team - Office Opening Hours
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The WSCP Business Unit would like to wish all our partners and colleagues a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Please note our office opening hours for Christmas and the New Year are:
- Monday 18th - Thursday 21st December, 9am -5pm
- Friday 22nd December, 9am - 4.30pm
Normal office functions will be closed from 4.30pm on Friday 22nd December until we return on Tuesday 2nd January.
WSCP Business Unit contact details:
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2. Help Keep Christmas Safe & Joyful for Children
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Christmas should be a magical time for children and young people, same as their childhood. But unfortunately, it’s not a time of merriment and joy for all.
Changes in appearance, behaviour, or communication can be signs of something more worrying.
We know it might not always be clear, but we’re asking everyone to make safeguarding their business this festive season.
So don’t let feeling neighbourly make you hesitate in raising a child welfare concern if you have one.
Just think, what if you’re right? Share a concern by calling 03458 503 503, or in an emergency call 999.
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3. NEW - Working Together to Safeguard Children Guidance & Framework 2023
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Alongside this publication, the Government also published:
Wakefield Safeguarding Children Partnership (WSCP), along with partner services are taking stock of the new publications and will be putting plans in place early in the New Year to progress the necessary implementations.
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4. WSCP Launch New Updated Resources Around Adversity, Trauma & Resilience (ATR)
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Wakefield Safeguarding Children Partnership (WSCP) have launched new updated resources around Adversity, Trauma and Resilience (ATR).
You can now access the new one minute guide on Adverse Childhood Experiences, learn more around how to turn adversity into resilience, understand more around the 3 T’s of Trauma and find out about the West Yorkshire Adversity Trauma and Resilience programme, as well as revisit the 2023 Trauma Masterclass, access further resources, training and much more.
Visit our new ATR page here to find out more. |
5. Professional Curiosity & Challenge - What This Means For Us As a District
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WSCP recently launched a campaign to explain what it means to be professionally curious and challenging in the Wakefield district. Still not quite sure what this means? Click on the image below to watch a short explanation video which will tell you just what this means to be professionally curious and challenging:
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In addition to the explanation video, WSCP has developed a range of new resources for those who work or volunteer with children and families to use when it comes to professional curiosity and challenge. These include:
Please share these resources across your networks! |
Safeguarding Christmas plays/concerts – filming, photographs and live streaming
It is that time of year again where schools and others will be hosting Christmas plays and concerts. Please take some time to remind yourselves of best practice with filming and photographing these events.
There are some rules regarding Data Protection but hosting agencies can strengthen this by creating their own policy taking into account the individual nature of their children. Remember there may be some children who may be left vulnerable if photos or films are posted publicly or if live streaming occurs e.g. Children in Care or children who are fleeing domestic abuse situations. For others, cultural or religious reasons may be why they wouldn’t consent to this.
It is wise for hosting agencies to make their rules clear to audience members well in advance. There are some good template letters available in the links below. You may also wish to add any other rules you see fit e.g. no flash photography, no devices in changing areas, no standing etc.
Please also remember the general safe photo publishing advice i.e. not using full names or identifying location etc.
Further information is available on the useful links below.
Online Safety
The UK Safer Internet Centre has created online safety resources to support educators with teaching about online safety ahead of Safer Internet Day on 6th February 2024. The resources include lesson plans and activities to help keep children safe online. Access the resources: Free Safer Internet Day 2024 education resources now live
See also on NSPCC learning: Online safety resources for schools and organisations
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7. Multi-Agency Training Dates
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Multi-Agency Neglect: A Shared Responsibility Training
The session will explore how we identify neglect, what to consider, tools to use and how best to respond to Neglect through robust assessment and information sharing.
This training encourages collaboration, professional curiosity, challenge and discussion.
*Please note: This is NOT Neglect Toolkit training.
Before attending this training, it may be useful to watch the new and updated recorded training, ‘How to’ guide for the WSCP Neglect Toolkit.
For more information click here
Available course dates:
- Wednesday 25th January 2024
- Thursday 28th March 2024 |
This course is designed to increase the participants knowledge and understanding of Working Together to Safeguard Children and other key legislation, including the West Yorkshire inter-agency procedures and local guidance. It is delivered by the WSCP Business Unit. Please note: There is a pre-recorded video to watch prior to the training titled 'WSCP Safeguarding Children Basic Awareness'For more information click here
Available course dates & times:
- Watch this space - new dates for 2024 to be confirmed soon!
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Managing Allegations Against Staff Training
This session aims to provide employers and mangers with an introduction to the systems and procedures that are in place for responding to allegations made against people who work with children. This course is delivered by the Wakefield Council Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and the WSCP Safeguarding Advisor for Education Vicki Maybin. If you are interested in this training please email wscpevents@wakefield.gov.uk
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Multi-Agency Harmful Sexual Behaviour (HSB) Training
The Learning Academy, alongside Focus CAMHS, are proud to announce three multi-agency Sexual Behaviour courses for professionals in Wakefield. These courses are:
1) Introduction to Harmful Sexual Behaviour (HSB)
Available course dates & times:
- Thursday 9th May 2024, 10:00am to 16:30pm
2) Introduction to Technology Assisted Harmful Sexual Behaviour (TA-HSB)
Available course dates & times:
- Wednesday 17th January 2024, 10:00am to 13:00pm
- Wednesday 10th July 2024, 09:30am to 12:30pm
3) Harmful Sexual Behaviour Planning (*you must have completed "Introduction to Harmful Sexual Behaviour" to attend this course*)
Available course dates & times:
- Friday 22nd March 2024
To find out more about the above three HSB courses and to book a place please click here
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Domestic Abuse Training
Available training on topics such as: Domestic Abuse Awareness, Coercive Control, Stalking, Harassment & Honour Based Violence, Sexual Abuse, FGM, Domestic Homicide, Male Victims of Domestic Abuse, Domestic Abuse Act, MARAC Awareness and CAPVA.
For more information including dates and times, please click here
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Future In Mind Workforce Development Training (CAMHS)
CAMHS are delivering training on the following subjects, with dates available throughout the year:
- An Introduction to Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- Understanding and Working with Anxiety in Children and Young People
- An Introduction to Depression and Low Mood in Children and Young People
- Supporting Children and Young People who have experienced Bereavement or Loss
- The Impact of Sleep on Emotional Wellbeing
- An Introduction to Attachment in Children and Young People
- An introduction to Self Harm
- An Introduction to Suicide and Awareness and Prevention
These sessions will be hosted on Microsoft Teams. For further information including dates and times, and to download a booking form please click here
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PACE: Parents Awareness Session
Parents Against Child Exploitation (PACE) are holding a number of Parents Awareness sessions designed to help parents/carers:
- Learn how children are groomed online
- Develop their understanding of behaviours of exploited children
- Develop their understanding about what child exploitation is
- Understand the signs of child exploitation
For more information please click here
Available course dates and times:
- Wednesday 17th January 2024, 10:00am - 12:30pm
- Wednesday 6th March 2024, 10:00am - 12:30pm (SEND)
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Young Lives Consortium: safeTALK Suicide Alertness Training
Know what to do if someone is thinking about suicide by following the easy to remember TALK steps- Tell, Ask, Listen and Keep-safe.
Places are free for those that live, work or learn in the Wakefield District.
These practical steps offer immediate help to someone having thoughts of suicide and help you both move forward to connect with more specialised support.
- Identify people thinking of suicide.
- Overcome barriers in talking about suicide.
- Identify reasons we may miss, dismiss or avoid suicide.
- Practice using the 4-step model of suicide alertness.
- Connect people at risk of suicide with further appropriate help.
Available course dates and times:
- Tuesday 6th February 2024, Pontefract 09:30am – 13:30pm
- Tuesday 5th March 2024, Castleford 09:30am – 13:30pm
Click here for more information. For all our training and 'on demand' briefings visit our website
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8. Multi-Agency Neglect: A Shared Responsibility Training
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Please see the flyer below for information about the Multi-Agency Neglect: A Shared responsibility Training, which is taking place on the 25th January. |
9. Have You Attended MA Neglect Training? - Share Your Feedback
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Your feedback is important to us and helps shape future WSCP training courses. Please click here or on the image above, to complete a short evaluation impact form for the neglect toolkit and training. The deadline for responses is 5pm on the 12th January 2024. |
10. Neglect Champions Drop-In Session - February 2024
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Thank you for those who attended our first Multi-Agency Neglect virtual Drop-In Session on the 13th December.
For those who wanted to come along but couldn’t make it, our next drop-in will be held at 12 noon on Tuesday 20th February 2024. Don’t worry, its very informal and a great space to network, share ideas and get the latest in regional and national developments regarding practice around neglect.
Invites will be sent out to all neglect champions but you can also get in touch if you want to register your interest at wscpevents@wakefield.gov.uk
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11. YLC Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
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Young Lives Consortium (YLC) are spreading the word about their upcoming ASIST Training Programme. The training will take place on 6th and 7th of February 2024 in St Mary’s Community Centre, Pontefract.
This is an accredited two-day interactive training course that prepares caregivers to provide suicide first aid interventions. Anyone 16 or older (despite previous training) can learn and use the ASIST model. After taking ASIST, you will be able to:
- Be suicide alert - identify people who have thoughts of suicide
- Understand the reasons behind thoughts of suicide and the reasons for living
- Assess risk and safety - develop a plan to increase the safety of the person at risk of suicide
- Recognise invitations for help
- Recognise potential barriers of seeking help
- Offer support - recognise other important aspects of suicide prevention including life-promotion and self-care
- Effectively apply a suicide intervention model
- Link people with community resources
The ASIST workshop is divided into five sections that follow in a logical progression to gradually build comfort, confidence and understanding around suicide and suicide intervention. The five sections are:
- Preparing
- Connecting
- Understanding
- Assisting
- Networking
For more details, please visit the YLC website
To check the price and register your interest, please complete the Expression of Interest form |
12. HENRY Healthy Families Group Programme
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Family Hubs in the Wakefield District are looking for parents and carers with children aged 0 – 5yrs to join them for a brand-new programme, HENRY, which will be running from three of the Wakefield Family hubs. HENRY is a free programme which is starting in January. The free 8 – 10 week group programme will explore how to give your child/children a healthy start in life.
The programme will explore:
- Setting goals
- Juggling life with young children
- Responding to children’s needs without giving in to demands
- Positive mealtimes
- Ideas for active play
- Food & portion sizes for under 5’s
- Managing children’s behaviour for a happier home
- Planning for the future.
Everyone who attends the programme will receive a free parenting pack and resources for use at home including story books, reward charts and soft ball.
If you are interested and want to find out more or book your place onto the HENRY programme, call or pop into your nearest HENRY delivery family hub.
- Sunbeam Family Hub – Lupset Crescent, Wakefield, WF2 8RH. Contact: 01924 302333
- Pomfret Family Hub – Rookhill Road, Pontefract, WF8 2DD. Contact: 01977 722644
- Cedars Family Hub – Barnsley Road, Hemsworth, WF9 4PU. Contact: 01977 72215.
January HENRY Dates:
- Cedars Family Hub – Start Tuesday 9th January 2024 - 9.45am – 11.45am
- Pomfret Family Hub – Start Tuesday 16th January 2024 - 1pm – 3pm
- Sunbeam Family Hub – Starts Wednesday 17th January 2024 - 9.30am – 11.30am
Calling all professionals - please share the details of the HENRY programme with any families who fit the criteria. |
13. Foundation Programme in Public Health
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Barnsley Council are delivering a Foundation Programme in Public Health which is relevant to colleagues working across local government, NHS, Police, housing and VCS etc.
The programme is aimed at any colleague working in a role where an understanding of health inequalities and population health will help them to support any health related or community initiatives that they are involved in. It is incredibly relevant for anyone working in a safeguarding role. The more we can get people thinking about health inequalities and the role we can all play in reducing health inequalities the bigger the collective difference we make.
Level one consists of 4 x 3 hour sessions, all delivered online. There is no cost to attend, it is relevant to both the adults and children's work force, and is open to colleagues working in the Wakefield district. It is a rolling programme and there are spaces currently available from January to March. New dates will be released in February for later in the year. For more information, including how to book a place, please click here |
14. Tech Guidance for Parents & Carers - Help Children Stay Safe Online!
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From tablets for learning to the latest smartphone, there is plenty of children's tech to choose from as presents this Christmas. Click here to access a useful guide published by Internet Matters, which helps parents and carers put online safety first and make the best choice for their family. Find out how to set up safety controls here and for more details visit the WSCP webpage Staying Safe OnlineWith more parents more likely to buy their children virtual reality (VR) headsets, the NSPCC published new straightforward advice for families on how to keep children safe when using virtual reality including utilising the device’s safety features and supervising children’s use as they navigate both the virtual risks and physical space around them. To view the guidance, and to find out more about just exactly what VR is click on the button below. |
15. Safety Information for Families this Christmas
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Love it or loathe it the run-up to Christmas for parents and carers means having a lot on your plate (and we're not talking Christmas dinner). The Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) want to help families keep it merry this Christmas by sharing six simple safety tips you can do that won't add to the to-do list. Click here to take a look. Lots of families will be looking for bargains online this year due to shop closures and financial pressures caused by the cost of living crisis, so we’re sharing tips to help you buy toys safely. If you are able to, then buy direct via the websites of well-known brand names.
If you are buying from an online marketplace, enter a reputable brand name when you search for the toy you want, to be sure it’s safe.
The number of dangerous toys sold online to unsuspecting families is on the increase, so it’s important to be extra cautious when buying Christmas presents this year.
Dangers can include:
- Magnets so strong they can burn through a child’s gut if swallowed
- Long cords that can strangle a child
- Dangerous levels of chemicals
- Small parts that can choke or suffocate
- Easy access to button batteries that can get stuck in a child’s food pipe, cause internal bleeding and even death.
- Make sure you buy children's gifts for the correct age group and from reputable retailers, and ensure they comply to safety standards
- Remember to buy batteries for toys that need them – that way you won't be tempted to remove batteries from smoke alarms
- Keep decorations and cards away from fires and other heat sources such as light fittings and don't leave burning candles unattended
- Remember, Christmas novelties and decorations are not toys and they do not have to comply with toy safety regulations - place them high up and out of reach of young hands
- Give yourself enough time to prepare and cook Christmas dinner to avoid accidents that come from rushing, and wipe up any spills quickly
- Have scissors handy to open packaging, so you're not tempted to use a knife, and have screwdrivers at the ready to assemble toys
- Beware of trailing cables and wires in the rush to connect new gadgets and appliances, and always read the instructions
- Falls are the most common accidents so try to keep clutter to a minimum and make sure stairs are well-lit and free from obstacles.
- Plan New Year fireworks parties well in advance and follow the Firework Code
- Do not drink and drive, and plan long journeys so you won't be driving tired
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16. Dangerous Baby Products Being Sold Online
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The Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) are reminding all professionals, parents and carers that a shocking number of dangerous baby products are making their way into family homes throughout the UK. A recent story covered on the ITV Regional News highlighted that many parents are unaware that products they’re buying from online marketplaces could suffocate, strangle or even choke their baby.
Products assessed by a panel of experts from the CAPT, Institute of Health Visiting and Lullaby Trust included sleep bags, cot bumpers, baby pillows, baby nests and teething necklaces. CAPT's Chief Executive described them as “potential tragedies waiting to happen”.
A survey by the Institute of Health Visiting reveals that 88% of health visitors have come across parents using dangerous products and 97% are concerned by the availability of dangerous products online.
Please share CAPT's essential advice to help parents spot and avoid dangerous baby products. Click here to learn more. Click on the button below to read the ITV news report. |
The NCMD have published their last newsletter for 2023.The Autumn has been a busy one for NCMD. They've released a range of publications that they've set out for you in full detail in the newsletter - but which include two new academic papers with JAMA and the BMJ, as well as a report on vulnerability to SUDI. This last publication was led by their Honorary Senior Public Health Specialist Dr Helen Duncan, also of OHID. Please click here to access the newsletter. They have also recently shared the sixth NCMD thematic report which is about infection related deaths of children and young people (C&YP) in England. This report draws on their unique data to investigate infection related deaths in C&YP, and to draw out learning and recommendations for service providers and policymakers. To access the report click on the button below. |
The NSPCC have recently released the following updates which may be of interest to professionals working with children and families, and to share with parents/carers where applicable. Case Reviews
Six new case reviews have been added to the collection this month featuring issues including neglect, suicide, and parental mental ill health. Click here to read the reviews.
Online Grooming
The Lucy FaithFull Foundation has released a new film about online grooming as part of the Stop It Now! campaign, which offers support to adults worried about their own or someone else’s sexual thoughts about or behaviours towards children. The film discusses adults illegally engaging in sexual conversations with under-16s. It provides information about the law and consequences associated with online grooming. Find out more: Conversations with strangers: launching our new film spotlight to deter online grooming See also on NSPCC Learning: Protecting children from online abuse BullyingThe NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) has released a webinar recording on bullying in sport. The webinar looks at the differences between banter and bullying and how to identify this in sports. Find out more: Banter vs bullying in sportChild abuse and exploitationNSPCC Learning has published a blog post about professionals focusing on the “risky behaviour” of children and young people experiencing abuse or exploitation, as part of its Why Language Matters Series. The blog explains that this can incorrectly imply the child is responsible for the harm they are experiencing. Discussion points include: keeping the focus on the impact on the child; not placing responsibility on the child; and addressing the safeguarding concerns.
Read the blog: Why language matters: why we shouldn’t talk about the ‘risky behaviour’ of young people experiencing abuse |
19. Useful Contact Numbers - Support Services Available in the Wakefield District
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Please click here to access a list of useful numbers for national and local support services that are available for residents of the Wakefield District. |
20. Cost of Living Support
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Christmas is expensive, click here to learn more about the cost of living advice and support services Wakefield Council has to offer, such as job, housing, energy and more. |
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