- Moped & Road Safety Information
- Learning Exchange Event: Disrupting Exploitation Multi-Agency Learning Session - Recording Now Available!
- Partnership Intelligence Portal (PiP) Survey
- WSCP Website Updates
- WSCP New Starter Section of the Knowledge Hub
- What Would You Like to Hear About
- Is it Legal to Leave a Child Home Alone?
- Water Safety for Teenagers & Young People
- Reminder: The Safest Swimwear Colours for Children
- Education Updates
- Challenging Stereotypes Training
- Multi-Agency Training Dates
- NEW DATE: Every Sleep a Safer Sleep Training
- Understanding Your Child - Solihull Approach
- Online Safety Live 2026 -Wakefield - Places Still Available!
- Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse - Free Webinars & Resources to Support Practice
- New Fostering Hub Home for Wakefield
- Top Safety Tips for Families this July
- NSPCC Updates
- FREE - Summer Days Out
- Useful Links
|
1. Moped & Road Safety Information
|
There have been several recent moped accidents in Wakefield involving young people. Sadly, one of these led to the death of a young person, whilst others have been seriously hurt. Wakefield Safeguarding Children Partnership (WSCP) is asking those who work or volunteer with young people and their families, especially teenage males, to share important safety messages about moped and road use. If appropriate, please consider direct work to help educate.
Key messages to share:
- A young person must be at least 16 years old to legally ride a moped of 50cc. They must also have a driver’s license and complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)
- You must always wear a helmet. It is strongly advised to wear other protective clothing to reduce risk of injury
- If a young person only has a CBT licence they are only allowed to ride on their own (no passengers allowed).
- Only a fully licensed rider is allowed to take a passenger on a moped/motorbike. They must also wear a helmet.
- Wearing bright or reflective clothing increases visibility to other road users
- Always follow the rules of the road. Stick to speed limits, maintain distance from other vehicles, check for blind spots
For further information and resources on road safety which may be of assistance please see:
|
2. Learning Exchange Event: Disrupting Exploitation Multi-Agency Learning Session - Recording Now Available!
|
On the 15th July, WSCP hosted the latest in our Learning Exchange Series, which was titled "Disrupting Exploitation". Led by the Prevention Programme, this learning exchange covered:
- How and who we target when breaking the cycle of child exploitation.
- Using legislation to create appropriate evidence-led prosecutions for perpetrators
- Explored the tools available to practitioners when disrupting exploitation
- Evidenced best practice through case study exploration
- Disruption measure for children in transition to adulthood
- Explored barriers and limitations to current legislation and civil orders
If you weren't able to attend the event on the day, it was recorded and can be accessed here. |
3. Partnership Intelligence Portal (PiP) Survey
|
In March 2024, Wakefield Safeguarding Children Partnership (WSCP) launched the Speak Up. Stand Up. Stop Exploitation! campaign aimed at those who work or volunteer with children and their families to prevent, identify, disrupt and stop exploitation in the Wakefield District.
To assist us, please could we ask you to complete this short, anonymous, Survey. It should take approximately 5 minutes. The survey will remain open until Friday 19th September for responses and your feedback will help identify and shape any next steps or areas of focus we may need to undertake in respect of further training or promotion of the PiP in Wakefield.
Thank you for your time completing this questionnaire, we value your feedback.
(Survey link if you wish to share with your colleagues: https://forms.office.com/r/GcifDgD3VV) |
The WSCP Business Unit have been busy updating the content on some of our published webpages. Please see the links below for the sections that have been updated this month:
- Where can I get help? - we have added a section titled "are you worried about a young person" to this page, and provided a link to a guidance booklet.
- WSCP Evaluation Reports - some new evaluations have been added to this page from our recent learning exchange events.
|
5. WSCP New Starter Section of the Knowledge Hub
|
In case you weren't aware, back in February 2025 Wakefield Safeguarding Children Partnership (WSCP) launched a "New Starter" section of the Knowledge Hub. This addition to the website has been designed for all new employees and volunteers as an introduction to multi agency work which will both promote and support partnership engagement.
With information specific to who the WSCP are, and how we can help with ensuring safeguarding practice is robust, as well as being supportive to their role, new employees will have access to information that will enable them to more effectively safeguard children in and around the Wakefield area.
What does the new starter page include?
This page can be used as part of your internal induction and will provide a basic understanding of the WSCP. Information includes:
Who we are
- How we function as a partnership
- Local safeguarding arrangements
- Our most popular and accessed resources such as one-minute guides, briefings, toolkits and hot safeguarding topics
- How employees can access policies, procedures and frameworks
- Basic safeguarding training and access to the WSCP training offer
- Understanding the Partnership Intelligence Portal
- Understanding the role of the Integrated Front Door and MASH
- Where to access more information and support
What next?
The New Starter page is now live, and you can use this resource as part of an induction or a refresher for new employees or for those who have limited knowledge of the partnership. |
6. What Would You Like to Hear About?
|
What areas regarding child safeguarding do you want to hear about? WSCP welcome your suggestions for content for the partnership e-bulletin. Therefore, if there are any items you would like to be featured in the next edition or to provide feedback which will help us improve the newsletter going forward please email wscp@wakefield.gov.uk.The e-bulletin is circulated on or around the last working day of each month, therefore any suggestions for content would need to be received at the latest the week prior to circulation. |
7. Is it Legal to Leave a Child Home Alone?
|
During the summer holiday's a parent/carer may be faced to make a decision about whether to leave their child at home alone at times due to lack of child care options/work commitments, but is it legal to leave a child home alone?
The NSPCC advise that a child who isn't old enough or who doesn't feel comfortable should never be left home alone. If this is the case, it's best to look into childcare options that might work for your family. There's no legal age a child can be left home alone, but it’s against the law to leave a child alone if it puts them at risk. Every child matures differently, so it would be almost impossible to have a "one size fits all" law.
Learning to be independent is an important part of growing up. Between work, appointments and other family commitments – every parent may need to leave their child home alone at some point so it’s good to have a plan in place. Every child is different, so build up their independence at their pace – and check in with them to make sure they feel safe.
To find out more about and to access resources about leaving a child at home alone, please click here. The NSPCC has published a news story on children being left home alone during the summer holidays. New data from the NSPCC Helpline shows that between 2024 and 2025, there were 6,719 contacts where concerns about a child being left home alone or unsupervised were mentioned, with July and August featuring a high number of contacts. The news story includes practical guidance and advice for parents and carers considering leaving a child unsupervised at home. Please click here to read the news story. |
8. Water Safety for Teenagers & Young People
|
Being by water is a great place to spend time with friends, but it's important for children and young people to know how to keep themselves and their friends, safe. And if facing peer pressure to enter open water such as a canal, its okay to say "no I don't want to I'm not going in". Watch the short video by The Canal & Rivers Trust which highlights why its okay to say no if pressured to enter open water, and what could happen if you don't! |
There were 277 accidental drownings in the UK in 2021. 62% of these happened at inland waters and 83% of these were male. These are scary statistics. We want to help children and young people feel confident in making safe choices around water all year round, so that this doesn't happen to them or their friends.
Water may look safe, especially a familiar stretch of water local to you, but poor decisions around it can create a dangerous situation.
Dossing about with your friends? A hot day in the summer holidays, what better way to cool down than by jumping into your local lock.
Big mistake!
There may be Tik Tok trends, and there may be dares and bets, but do not try to jump over the canal, jump into a lock or jump off bridges.
There are no lifeguards along canals and rivers to help you. Also, if you're on a secluded part of the water, it will take the emergency services much longer to reach you.
Do you know how deep the water is? Canals are often quite shallow, and you could easily hit the bottom if you jump from a height.
Do you know what's in the water? Landing on a shopping trolley could really hurt you. Consider that there are diseases and reeds, and also plant life that can tangle around your limbs, possibly dragging you down.
Just because your friend suggests it, why hurt yourself to show off?
Remember, don't just be a by-stander, watch out for your mates. Tell them they're doing something dangerous, and they could get hurt.
No matter how strong a swimmer you are, you can't prepare for cold water shock.
James Goodship was a strong swimmer but, tragically, he drowned at Foulridge Reservoir when he was 17. His parents miss him desperately. Hear about his last day.
To find out more about water safety visit The Canal & Rivers Trust website and the dedicated WSCP Water Safety Page.
WSCP recently launched a campaign about Peer Pressure with regards to Water Safety. Please click here to find out more and access the campaign materials.
Calling all professionals: Please share this important information with any children and families that you work with. |
9. Reminder: The Safest Swimwear Colours for Children
|
Adult supervision is crucial to keeping children and young people safe in, on and around the water, but have you ever thought about whether the colour of your child’s swimwear could make a difference in preventing drowning? If the worst does happen, being able to quickly find a child in the water could save vital seconds and make the difference between a fatal and non-fatal incident. How many of us pick our children’s swimwear based on how it looks, their favourite colours or who their number one character is right now? With holiday season now upon us, its time to select carefully before purchasing swimwear for your child. Swim England are advising parents/carers that the colour of the swimwear makes a huge difference as to whether they can be seen even on the surface of the water, let alone if they are underwater. The colour of the bottom of the pool will make a difference BUT neon colours – orange, green, pink and yellow – will always be easier to see in a swimming pool than the colours mentioned above. This theory has been proven by a recent study, please click here to read it. If you’re going swimming in an outdoor setting, the results are the same. The caveat for this is that open water settings, such as beaches and rivers, also come with various hidden dangers such as tides and currents which need to be considered when making your choice. So now you know, when buying your child’s swimwear, think bright, neon, contrasting colours. To find out more about water safety visit the WSCP Water Safety page or take a look at the Swim England Water Safety Hub. |
Keeping Children Safe in Education
NSPCC Learning has published a CASPAR briefing summarising the Department for Education’s (DfE’s) 2025 updates to the statutory safeguarding and child protection guidance for schools and colleges in England, ‘Keeping children safe in education’ (KCSIE). The guidance is currently for information only and will come into force in September 2025. The CASPAR briefing covers: changes to the list of content risks under online safety; additional information on alternative provision guidance; and the DfE’s ‘Working together to improve school attendance’ becoming statutory guidance. Read the CASPAR briefing: Keeping children safe in education (KCSIE) 2025: summary of changes
Read the guidance: Keeping children safe in education 2025
Online Safety
NSPCC Learning has published a series of expert insight videos on online safety. The series includes talking head contributions from a range of practitioners and young people. The films aim to help those working and volunteering with children to explore what online safety means; recognise the risks children face; and understand how to support children’s safety online. Watch the films: Online safety: expert insight videos
Harmful sexual behaviour
The Lucy Faithfull Foundation has published a new report on the Everyone’s Safer project, a three-year project supporting schools across the UK to prevent harmful sexual behaviour (HSB). The Foundation worked with schools, including staff, students and parents, to identify strategies for tackling HSB and creating safer school environments. Key findings from schools involved in the project include: sexualised bullying and language were routine, especially in Years 8 to 10; online coercion and image sharing were major concerns; and students feared reporting due to shame, disbelief, or lack of action. Recommendations include the need for more training, resources and support for safeguarding leads to manage HSB and a whole-school, public health approach to prevention. Read the report: Keeping everyone safer in schools: what we've learnt from working with more than 240 schools to prevent harmful sexual behaviourFind out more about the project: Everyone's Safer schools projectSee also on NSPCC Leaning: Problematic and harmful sexual behaviour
Healthy relationships
The charity Anna Freud has developed a set of new classroom resources on healthy relationships for pupils aged 10 to 11-years-old. The toolkit and resources aim to help pupils explore healthy friendships, emotional wellbeing and conflict resolution. The full resource pack includes assembly and lesson materials and guidance documents designed to support effective delivery. Access the toolkit: Healthy relationships: a toolkit to support primary-aged pupils
See also on NSPCC Learning: Promoting healthy relationships
Reminder: DSL Opinion Form
This is emailed out to all DSL’s following each half termly DSL forum - WSCP Online DSL Forums - Wakefield Safeguarding Children to capture the below. WSCP are interested in general themes, repeated issues or areas of good safeguarding practice which DSL's experience within Wakefield. This may then be raised at multi agency strategic level meetings. NB this is not the forum for individual case specifics - please raise these individual case details with the appropriate managers in accordance with the professional disagreement procedure. 2.7 Resolving Multi Agency Professional Disagreements and Escalation (proceduresonline.com)
These opinion forms are your voice as education settings at the WSCP so if you have anything to share please do complete and submit these forms which are sent out 6 times a year.
Reminder: DSL Forums & Network Meetings Open to All!
All school/college DSL’s are reminded of the free half termly DSL forums open to all Education DSL’s in the district. It is strongly advised to have a rota of attendance between the DSL team, to keep up to date locally in between official training courses. WSCP Online DSL Forums - Wakefield Safeguarding Children (wakefieldscp.org.uk) Also secondary and college DSL’s/ Independent school DSL’s please note dates for face-to-face DSL network meetings here: WSCP DSL Network Meetings 2025/26 - Wakefield Safeguarding Children (wakefieldscp.org.uk) |
11. Challenging Stereotypes Training
|
Wakefield Council's Learning Academy have arranged 3 dates this year for Challenging Stereotypes Training that is designed and delivered by Young People. This training is available to anyone within the Wakefield Families Together partnership, free of charge. Course Description:The training is designed and delivered by care experienced young people Challenging Stereotypes training is available for those in the wider partnership to help them recognise the barriers that children in care and care leavers face and give an insight into how to build productive trusting relationships. This training is interactive and does not shy away from the impact of professional’s decisions on young people’s lives Available Dates:
Enquires:Please contact learningacademy@wakefield.gov.uk for any questions regarding this training. |
12. Multi-Agency Training Dates
|
UPDATE: Working Together - A Shared Responsibility
Please note that the advanced face to face training is now on hold and unavailable to book onto. You can still access the Basic Awareness training here. We will update you as soon as we can and apologies for any inconvenience this may cause. |
NEW - Ready to Relate/Infant Parents Relationship Cards Training Session
The Ready to Relate cards, developed by Bradford District Community NHS Trust, are a visual, interactive tool to help all practitioners assess, discuss and share healthcare information with families and to make National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended interventions accessible. The cards aim to improve and enhance the parent‐infant relationship and promote infant attachment and optimal infant development.
This session is suitable and available for all practitioners.
Available course dates & times:
- Wednesday 12th November 2025, 9am - 4pm, St George's Community Centre
To find out more about the above course and to book a place please click here.
|
Domestic Abuse Training Opportunities
The following Wakefield District Abuse Training Opportunities are now available on various dates throughout the year:
- Behind Closed Doors: Understanding and Supporting those who have Experienced Domestic Abuse
- Domestic Abuse and Male Victims
- Working with Perpetrators
- Domestic Abuse Related Death Review Online Briefing
- Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC)
- Claire's Law (Domestic Abuse Disclosure Scheme)
- Domestic Abuse Essential Training
- Domestic Abuse Act 2021
- Forced Marriage
- Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) - Recognising and Preventing FGM
To find out more about the above, including dates, times and to book a place please click here.
|
Managing Allegations Against Staff Training
This session aims to provide employers and managers 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
|
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
- Full Day Sleep Workshop for Professionals working with Children, Young People & Families
- Introduction to Eating Difficulties in Children and Young People
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Through Teenage Years
- Nature Connectedness for Wellbeing
- NEW - An Introduction to Trauma & Sleep
These sessions will be hosted on Microsoft Teams. For further information including dates and times, and to download a booking form please click here
|
Impact of Parental Mental Illness on Children
A virtual package that considers the impact of a variety of parental mental illness on children at various ages and stages of development.
Available course dates & times:
- Thursday 7th August 2025, times TBC
- Thursday 13th November 2025, times TBC
To find out more about the above course and to book a place please click here
|
NEW - Perinatal Mental Health Team - Multi-Agency Training by HDFT
This 2 hour session is delivered by the Perinatal Mental Health Team practitioners, specialist PNMH midwife and Perinatal and Infant MH Specialist Health visitor.
It covers the basics you will need to know about the impact of Perinatal Mental health on women, their children and family. Get a better understanding of the complex nature of perinatal mental health, recognise risk factors, red flags, learn about the support for men affected, and feel more confident knowing what you should do to help.
This is a multi-agency training session, and would be suitable for any staff who work or volunteer with children in Health and Social Care, Education, Maternity, Family Hubs, and the Voluntary sector.
Available course dates & times:
- Wednesday 10th September, 10:00am - 12:00pm - Online via MS Teams
- Tuesday 9th December, 10:00am - 12:00pm - Online via MS Teams
To find out more about the above training, including how to book a place please click here.
|
NEW - Wakefield Parent & Infant Relationship Team Training Sessions
The Wakefield Parent and Infant Relationship (PAIR) team invite you to their free, drop-in lunchtime learning sessions.
These will focus on key areas of importance, impact, and interest when assessing the Parent infant relationship to help consider babies mental health and the Voice of the child. There will also be a regular chance to drop-in and find out more about PAIR team. Training is available on the following subjects:
- Introduction to the Wakefield Parent and Infant Relationship Team and ”Giving a voice of the Child”
- PAIR team updates to practice and “Working with sick and premature babies”
- Wakefield Parent and Infant Relationship Team and ‘The importance of engaging Fathers’
- The PAIR team updates to practice and ‘The impact of parental ACES on the Parent-Infant relationship’
- “How the Parent-Infant Relationship can be affected by a crying baby and feeding difficulties”
- The Parent and Infant relationship team “Working with behaviour that parents find challenging”
- The Wakefield PAIR team and “The role of Family Peer Support”
Audience:
Any professional working with babies and infants from conception to 2 years.
Booking InformationPlease click here for more information. If you would like to watch the Wakefield Parent & Infant Relationship (PAIR) Team Training Sessions from 2024, please click here to access the recordings. Available course dates and times:These are virtual workshops with various dates available. Please click on the link above for more details.
|
YGAM Training - Gaming and Gambling Harms
Ygam’s mission is to ensure that every young person is resilient to, and safeguarded against, gaming and gambling harms. They do this through awareness raising, education and research.
This training equips you with the knowledge and confidence to deliver the programme directly to young people. The workshops are 100% fully funded and on completion all trained staff will gain access to resources to use with the young people you support and City and Guilds certification. The training is aimed at a range of youth-facing professionals, including teachers, youth workers, practitioners, universities, faith leaders and health professionals. Please click here for more information. Available course dates and times:These are virtual workshops with various dates available. Please click on the link above for more details.
|
NEW DATES - Young Lives Consortium (YLC) Applied Suicide Interventions Skills Training (ASIST)
Young Lives Consortium (YLC) is currently offering a Two-day ASIST training course. What is ASIST?An accredited two-day, interactive training that prepares professionals to provide suicide first aid interventions. Who can attend ASIST? Anyone over 16 can learn to use the ASIST model. No previous mental health or suicide prevention experience is necessary. Available course dates and times:
- Thursday 9th October & Friday 10th October 2025, 8:30am – 16:30pm – St Marys Community Centre, Pontefract For further information about this training course, including costs and to complete an expression of interest form, please click here
|
NEW DATES - Young Lives Consortium (YLC) - SafeTALK Suicide Alertness Training
Young Lives Consortium (YLC) is currently offering SafeTALK training. What is SafeTALK?Know what to do if someone is thinking about suicide by following the easy to remember TALK steps - Tell, Ask, Listen and Keep-safe. Who can attend SafeTALK?Places are free for those that live, work or learn in the Wakefield district Available course dates and times:
- Tuesday 16th September, 4:00pm - 7:30pm at Lightwaves, Lower York Street, Marsh Way, Wakefield, WF1 3LJ.
For further information about this training course please click here.
|
13. NEW DATE: Every Sleep a Safer Sleep Training
|
On Wednesday 24th September 2025, 1pm - 4pm, Public Health colleagues will host a virtual Every Sleep a Safer Sleep ESaSS (Training) session. This is a multi-disciplinary training session aimed at all agencies who work with parents and carers of babies aged 0-12 months including pre-birth. Course highlights:
The ‘Every Sleep a Safer Sleep’ training comprises:
- A 55-minute webinar delivering key information about SUDI incorporating recommendations from the Out of Routine Report.
- How to effectively share safer sleep messages with parents and carers to reduce the incidence of SUDI.
- A SUDI Risk Minimisation Tool for Professionals, a Protective Factors Tool for Parents/Carers, plus ‘Every Sleep a Safe Sleep’ guidance.
- A 90-minute post-webinar participatory session where you will have the opportunity to use the tools and guidance to explore scenarios where risks are present.
Course objectives:
- To ensure all frontline workers are equipped with the skills to engage in individualised safer sleep conversations with parents and carers to reduce the risks of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), in particular where additional vulnerabilities exist.
- To introduce the Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy Risk Minimisation Tool and Safer Sleep Protective Factors Tool.
To find out more and to book a place please click here. |
14. Understanding Your Child - Solihull Approach
|
It was great to see so many of you attending the webinar event on 26th June hosted by the Solihull Approach NHS team to introduce you to the Multi-User licence in Wakefield and the fantastic e-learning opportunities available to Wakefield families to support their emotional health and wellbeing. Thank you for taking the time to attend, we hope you found it helpful and feel enthused about the support available when you’re working with young people and families, and how to promote the inourplace website: https://inourplace.co.uk/wakefield/ For those who missed it, here’s a copy of the Presentation.If you have any further questions, please either contact WakefieldFamiliesTogether@wakefield.gov.uk, or if you would like to contact the Solihull Approach NHS team directly, it’s solihull.approach@uhb.nhs.uk or 0121 296 4448. |
15. Online Safety Live 2026 - Wakefield - Places Still Available!
|
The UK Safer Internet Centre are delighted to partner with Wakefield Safeguarding Children Partnership (WSCP) to deliver a FREE Online Safety Session, taking place on Tuesday 27th January 2026 2pm - 4pm.
Location:
- Wakefield Town Hall ,Wood Street, Wakefield ,WF1 2HQ
Duration:
Course Information:
Designed for anyone working with children and young people, this interactive session delivers the most up-to-date insights on emerging online risks, legislation updates, cutting-edge technology trends, and expert guidance. Plus, attendees receive exclusive access to presentation materials and a wealth of additional resources.
Why Attend?
- Stay informed – Get the latest online safety research, laws, and developments
- Save time – A concise, information-packed session tailored to busy professionals
- Access expert guidance – Our team is on hand to answer your questions
- Exclusive resources – Gain access to slides, research, and tools for later review
Who is this for?
- This session is open to all professionals working with children and young people, including:
- Schools (Primary, Secondary, and Further Education)
- Early Years and Childcare Professionals
- Local Authorities & Social Care
- Police & Safeguarding Teams
- Charities & Voluntary Organisations
Please click here to find out more and to sign up for this event. |
16. Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse - Free Webinars & Resources to Support Practice
|
What you need to know about child sexual abuse
Sadly, child sexual abuse is a very common form of harm. It is estimated that 500,000 children experience sexual abuse in England and Wales each year. To build your understanding of child sexual abuse, the CSA Centre have provided an overview What you need to know about child sexual abuse which introduces essential knowledge and evidence in 10 key points.
It is accessible to anyone seeking to learn more about child sexual abuse, whether you are in child safeguarding practice or not. Click on the button below to read it today. |
FREE Webinars
The Centre of Expertise also have a number of free webinars available throughout 2025, from helping with research, consultation events, to free practice guidance. To find out more about the FREE upcoming webinars please click here. New dates have recently been added! Other FREE Resources
Also available to access on the CSA website, is a range of practice resources. These can be utilised by professionals to identify, respond and support children who have been sexually abused. The resources include:
- Signs and indicators of child sexual abuse
- Communicating with children
- Supporting parents and carers
- Sibling sexual abuse and behaviour
- Managing risk and trauma after online sexual offending
- Resources for education settings
- Using supervision and team meetings
- Medical examinations and more!
Please click here to take a look and access the resources you need. |
17. New Fostering Hub Home for Wakefield
|
Wakefield Council has launched a brand-new fostering home, to support children as they transfer into long term care.
This special home focuses on building those important relationships between the children and carers, before being fostered. This makes care as smooth as possible and helps maintain long-term, suitable placements for the children. There is currently a national placement shortage, and by introducing innovative solutions to residential care, we can provide new ways of supporting children when they need it most. And on top of this, fewer children will have to stay in children’s homes for a long period of time. Children and carers alike benefit from this new style of home – with foster carers benefiting from peer support and development alongside the residential staff. Carers also have a dedicated space with residential staff where they can work together to share best practices and receive tailored support. For more information on the Fostering Hub Home, please visit Fostering Hub Home - Wakefield CouncilIf you’re interested in finding out more about becoming a Fostering Hub Home carer, contact our Fostering Team at fostering@wakefield.gov.uk |
18. Top Safety Tips for Families this July
|
The Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) have published the following safety tips for families this July. Calling all professionals - where possible please share this important information with any parents/carers that you work with.
One Child a Day Falls From a Window or Balcony
One child under 10 is admitted to hospital every day after falling from a building - mainly from open windows or balconies.
Any worryingly, these accidents peak in the summer months when windows are left open to catch a breeze.
More ways to keep children safe from falls:
Plus, access translated fact sheets for families whose first language isn’t English. Available in Arabic, Bengali, Polish, Punjabi, Urdu and Welsh. Summer Safety
Whilst the warm summer weather brings lots of opportunities for fun in the sun there are also additional hazards for our little people. This is why CAPT have created a summer safety display pack with colourful posters on the main accident risks. Simply download, print and display in your setting to help families stay safe this summer.
There’s something about accidents happening on holiday that is especially cruel. So, CAPT have compiled some top tips to make sure your holiday is remembered for all the right reasons.
Parent's/Carers tend to think "if I can buy it for my child, it must be safe" But sadly that isn't always true. To help you spot which products to avoid this summer CAPT have highlighted some of the big risks to your child's safety
|
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. Children who have Special Education Needs
Foundations has produced a new practice guide on parenting support for parents and carers of children and young people who have disabilities and those with special educational needs (SEN). The guide draws on findings from a review of the existing evidence and incorporates practitioner and parent insights. It summarises the best-evidenced interventions for improving a range of child and parent outcomes and includes case studies. The guide has been designed to support senior leaders, practitioners and practice supervisors in local authorities to inform and improve the commissioning and delivery of parenting support. Access the guide: Parenting disabled children and young people
See also on NSCPP Learning: Supporting children who have additional needs and disabilities (SEND/ASN/ALN)
Puberty and Learning Disabilities
NSPCC Learning has updated its resources on navigating puberty for children and young people who have learning disabilities. There is an updated guide with advice and practical tips exploring what puberty is and how to support children through the physical and emotional challenges that puberty brings. There is also a new series of 14 symbolised books on topics such as periods and body hair. The resources are designed to be shared with parents and carers of children and young people who have learning disabilities.
Download the resources: Navigating puberty
LGBTQ+ Children and Young People
Research in Practice has published a briefing on the experiences of LGBTQ+ children and young people. The briefing looks at how practitioners can support LGBTQ+ children and young people and sets out information on: the use of language; care experienced young people and intersectionality; and messages from research and practice.
Read the briefing: Supporting children and young people who identify as LGBTQ+: frontline briefing 2025
See also on NSPCC Learning: Safeguarding LGBTQ+ children and young people
Intrafamilial Child Sexual Abuse
NSPCC Learning has launched new online training on preventing child sexual abuse within the family environment. The series of six practice-based courses aim to help frontline professionals recognise, understand, respond to and prevent sexual abuse, covering: adults who pose a risk to children; working with non-abusing family members; the voice of the child; professional confidence and competence, capacity and curiosity; and risk assessment and safety planning. (There is a £40 charge for this training)
Take the course: Intrafamilial child sexual abuse training
Child Criminal Exploitation
NSPCC Learning has published a series of expert insight films on child criminal exploitation (CCE). The films include contributions from several experts and cover a range of issues, including: what child criminal exploitation is; the risks facing children and young people; the signs a child may be experiencing CCE; and how professionals can support children and families.
Watch the films: Child criminal exploitation: expert insight videos
Child Poverty
The Children’s Commissioner for England has published a new report on children’s experiences of living in poverty. The Commissioner heard from 128 children between January and March 2025, discussing the impact of growing up in a low-income family. The report found that children and young people often felt unsafe in their local area due to crime and anti-social behaviour and recognised the risk of criminal exploitation. Concerns were also raised around timely access to mental health support. Recommendations include the removal of the two-child limit in Universal credit and stronger community-based support.
Read the report: Growing up in a low-income family: children's experiences |
20. FREE - Summer Days Out
|
Summer FunFest 2025
Click here to find out more about the six weeks of fun happening at Wakefield Council's markets. There is something happening every week and it is all free!
The Hepworth Wakefield - Open Tuesday - Sunday,10am - 5pm
FREE entry for Members, Wakefield District residents and under 18's.The Hepworth Wakefield Garden is open daily and free for everyone to enjoy.
The Hepworth is hosting lots of activities during the summer holiday's take a look at what's on offer here
10 Free Summer Days Out
Click here to find out what summer activities are available for families FREE in the Wakefield district.
FREE Playgroups
Click here to find out what FREE playgroups are available in the Wakefield district.
Please see other useful links below: |
|
|
Copyright © 2025 Wakefield Safeguarding Children Partnership, All rights reserved.
Has this email been forwarded to you? Why not sign up yourself here so you don't miss out on future
WSCP e-Bulletins?
Our mailing address is:
|
|
|
|
|
