- BOOK NOW - WSCP Learning Exchange: Drug Awareness - the Local Picture - Places Still Available!
- Winter Water Safety Advice
- WSCP Training Courses - If You Can't Attend Please Let Us Know!
- Safer Sleep for Babies During the Festive Season & Winter Months
- Parent & Carer Cannabis Use
- WSCP Website Updates
- Education Updates
- FREE Webinar for Educators & Youth Workers: Illicit Tobacco, Vapes & Risk to Young People
- Reclaim the Night WFD
- Wakefield CAMHS Changes
- Multi-Agency Training Dates
- NEW DATES FOR 2026: Multi-Agency Neglect: A Shared Responsibility Training
- Engaging with Men Multi-Agency Training
- Perinatal Mental Health Multi-Agency Training 2026
- NEW Online Training: Disrupting Child Exploitation Using Slavery & Trafficking Risk Orders
- All Lights on Green? Wakefield's Youth Vaping Report
- Warm Welcome Spaces for Children and Families this Winter
- Evaluation Report - ICON Babies Cry You Can Cope
- Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse - Free Webinars & Resources to Support Practice
- Sign Up for Free Online Car Seat Safety Training
- Top Safety Tips for Families this November
- NSPCC Updates
- What Would You Like to Hear About?
- Useful Links
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1. BOOK NOW - WSCP Learning Exchange: Drug Awareness - the Local Picture - Places Still Available!
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Join us for a virtual learning exchange on 2nd December at 10am - 12pm, on the subject of "Drugs Awareness - the Local Picture". This session will provide key insights into drug-related safeguarding concerns and how to respond effectively. Speakers from West Yorkshire Police and Turning Point will be hosting a Q&A at the end of the session. See the poster below for more details and click here to book your place. |
2. Winter Water Safety Advice
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Winter’s snowy and icy wonderlands - ponds, frozen lakes, and canals - look magical, but they can be dangerous with additional hazards in the winter months. Here's what every child, parent, and pet-lover should know to stay safe and smart this winter.
- Keep back from slippery banks and wear footwear with a good grip.
- Stick to well-lit areas - the reduction in daylight in the winter adds to risks around water. Plan your walks in daylight or along well-lit paths.
- NEVER go onto the ice - don't be fooled - ice can be extremely dangerous and across the UK and Ireland it is unlikely to freeze to a suitable depth to safely walk on.
- Keep children within reach and teach them not to go onto the ice.
- Keep dogs on a lead near ice and slippery banks.
- Walk with friends if you want to go out and enjoy a winter walk.
Click here to download a poster summarising the above information, including what to do in an emergency, which can be displayed in public and staff areas.
If is important for the whole family to know basic water safety advice and what to do if they fall in unexpectedly. Visit the WSCP dedicated water safety webpage to access a whole range of useful information and resources suitable for children or all ages, to highlight the dangers posed by open water. Watch the short video below by The Canals and Rivers Trust, which provides important advice about what to do if you find someone who has fallen into open water: |
3. WSCP Training Courses - If You Can't Attend Please Let Us Know!
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Wakefield Safeguarding Children’s Partnership (WSCP) is proud to offer high-quality, face-to-face training – completely free of charge for anyone working or volunteering with children and families in our district. These sessions are bespoke, relevant, and in high demand.
However, we need your help. Last week alone, 12 out of the 35 people booked onto the Multi-Agency Neglect: A Shared Responsibility course failed to attend without notifying us. This is a growing concern and we are increasingly seeing people who are booked onto our training just fail to turn without having let us know they can no longer attend.
Why does this matter?
Most of our training courses have a waiting list. When someone doesn’t turn up without letting us know, it means a valuable place is wasted and someone else on our waiting list misses out on essential learning.
We understand that urgent matters can arise in our line of work, but please remember: If you cannot attend, let us know as soon as possible whatever the reason. We can then offer your place to someone else who has requested it.
Cancellation & Charging Policy
To address this issue, WSCP will be adhering to the updated Cancellation and Charging Policy, which applies to all face-to-face training. The policy is available when booking via the WSCP website. It will also be sent with your confirmation email. Click here to view the policy. Please Share
We ask all partners to disseminate this message across your teams and networks. Together, we can ensure these valuable sessions reach those who need them most, and the limited places that are available don't end up being wasted. |
4. Safer Sleep for Babies During the Festive Season & Winter Months
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Buying Baby Products for Christmas
Not all baby products you see online are a safer option for your baby, or a baby you're getting a gift for. Check The Lullaby Trust's website to learn all about baby product safer sleep. Planning Ahead When Drinking Alcohol
There may be times when you and/or your partner or co-parent are drinking alcohol, particularly over the upcoming festive period. It’s a good idea to plan ahead for these moments and make sure there’s always a trusted sober adult around who can care for your baby. This is important, as alcohol can make it harder to respond to your baby and may lead to risky decisions that you wouldn’t normally make. Learn more on The Lullaby Trust's website about the what, how, and why of pre-planning if you are going to be drinking alcohol. And if you're a friend of someone who's got a young baby, perhaps you could be their baby's sober carer for a night to allow them a break or some time to themselves.
Safer Sleep During Winter Months
The colder winter months can be difficult for families. You want to keep your baby warm but not too warm. The Lullaby Trust's expert safer sleep advice covers important information for keeping your baby and their sleep space safe over the colder months. Click on the button below to access The Lullaby Trust's expert advice and information on keeping babies safe as the weather gets cold. Calling all professionals: Please can you share this important information with any families that you work with who have young babies. |
5. Parent & Carer Cannabis Use
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The Child Safeguarding Practice Revie Panel (Panel) has recently shared two resources that were published by other Safeguarding Children Partnerships in the UK, to help practitioners explore cannabis use among parents and carers. While cannabis may be perceived by some as low-risk, its use in caregiving environments can compromise parental capacity and increase vulnerabilities for children. This theme was particularly prevalent in the Panel’s national review about non-accidental injury in under 1s. The ‘Clear Minds Safer Homes’ campaign by Kent Children Multi-agency Safeguarding Partnership is a campaign designed to raise awareness among professionals working with children and families about the potential risks posed by parental cannabis use. The resources are available on the KSCMP website and include guidance, factsheets, posters, leaflets and a conversation tool for practitioners. The Wiltshire Safeguarding Vulnerable Peoples Partnership (SVPP) has developed a multi agency tool for practitioners to explore cannabis use with parents – this action comes from learning from reviews. See the link below to develop your confidence in practice around cannabis use: https://www.wiltshiresvpp.org.uk/assets/02523611/exploring_cannabis_use_practitioner_guidance.pdf |
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:
New updates throughout the Speak Up Stand Up Stop Exploitation resource. Sections updates include:
If you missed it last month, we launched a new SEND resource for practitioners who work or volunteer with children and their families… view our new SEND toolkit to find out more. |
Reminder: Partnership Intelligence Portal (PiP)
Have you heard of the Partnership Intelligence Portal (PiP), is your school signed up to it and do you know what it's used for? The PiP is owned and managed by West Yorkshire Police. It is a web-based reporting portal that allows you to submit intelligence you gather during your daily business. It is user friendly, simple to access, and gives you a direct link to report intelligence to the correct team in West Yorkshire Police and reduces the time you spend reporting intelligence to the force. Click here to access a flyer which provides more information and a link enabling you to sign up for a secure account for your organisation. If you already have an account the flyer has a link to the Portal via your organisations secure account. Click here to access our PiP campaign materials and resources including a useful one minute guide (when you click on this link scroll down to the PiP section).
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Understand Children's Mental Health & Wellbeing
Read the NSPCC's guidance on mental health and wellbeing and find out which tools and techniques you can use to understand how children are feeling. |
Speak Out Stay Safe Resources
NSPCC Learning has updated its Speak out Stay safe resources which aim to equip children with the knowledge they need to stay safe from abuse and neglect. The updates include: new toolkits for home educators and practitioners in alternative provisions; supplementary lesson plans to follow the existing programme for primary schools; and follow-up lesson plans for pupils who have additional needs. Click here to access the resources.
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Updated: Understanding Difficult Feelings Booklets
Wakefield Public Health have updated the following booklets which may be of use to your pupils.
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Free Road Safety Resources for Primary Schools
The Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) have got a ready-made road safety education programme for primary schools. They are partnering with AXA UK to promote safer driving habits through schools. Backseat Boss, is designed to equip primary school children with the knowledge and confidence to talk about safer driving behaviours. AXA has created fun sessions for KS1, KS2 and SEN pupils that include lesson plans, materials, and activity kits. The free classroom resources:
- Support PSHE curriculums on health & wellbeing, citizenship and road safety
- Break down safe driving into simple, memorable rules
- Reinforce learning through interactive games and group activities
- Empower children to become a ‘Backseat BOSS!’ – confidently sharing their knowledge at home
- Can be adapted for a whole school assembly
Click here to get your free resources.
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Reminder: DSL Opinion Form
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.
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Reminder: DSL Forums & Network Meetings Open to All!
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8. FREE Webinar for Educators & Youth Workers: Illicit Tabacco, Vapes & Risks to Young People
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West Yorkshire Trading Standards are hosting an upcoming FREE webinar for anyone working with young people in West Yorkshire. The webinar will be held on Teams and individuals can sign up via the link below: FREE WEBINAR: Illicit tobacco and vapes and the risks to young people Tickets, Wed, Dec 3, 2025 at 4:00 PM | EventbriteOverview:What you need to know about dangerous illegal nicotine products being sold by criminal gangs in West Yorkshire. Organised criminal gangs are peddling dangerous illegal nicotine products from high street shops across West Yorkshire and beyond. This webinar, aimed at educators, youth workers, and anyone supporting young people in West Yorkshire, will cover:
- Facts, research and statistics about youth vaping and smoking
- Information on other, 'up-and-coming' nicotine products
- How to recognise illegal tobacco and vaping products
- The potential contents and health risks of illicit vapes
- The links to organised criminality and associated safeguarding risks
- Details of work being done by West Yorkshire Trading Standards and partners;
- What you can do to help
- Details of further resources and support
The session will be delivered by Kerry Holmes, Illicit Tobacco Education Officer for West Yorkshire Trading Standards. All registered participants will receive a Teams link before the event. |
Reclaim the Night began as a response to violence against women. The movement has its roots in the 1970s, when women in Leeds, took to the streets to protest against the violence they faced while walking alone at night. They were angry and rightly so; they were tired of being told to stay indoors, tired of being blamed for the violence perpetrated against them. They decided it was time to take a stand. To find out more above this movement in Wakefield and it's aims please click here. The next Reclaim the Night event in Wakefield takes place tomorrow Thursday 27th November, click on the link above to find out more about this. |
10.Wakefield CAMHS Changes
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Wakefield CAMHS have made some changes and have a new phone number, criteria and referral form.
New Phone Number:
The SPA phone number (this will include the ReACH crisis number) will change due to a base closure and change in area code. CAMHS have arranged for there to be a message on the old phone number letting people know that the number has changed and what the new one is. This will ensure that when young people need them, they will still be able to get in touch.
The new number from the 10th of December is 01924 316200
Please do share this with the children and young people you are currently working with, any networks and contacts.
New Referral Form:
CAMHS online referral form is changing. It has been reviewed and re-written with their PIT/SPA team, consultation within their clinical leadership in service, external partners and sought feedback from young people through Health Watch and the Young Persons Partnership Board. The aim is for Wakefield CAMHS to be inclusive, accessible, trauma informed and responsive to our communities’ children and young people needs. This has been a really important piece of work as it’s vital that young people and families are able to access services easily. The new criteria is clear, in line with the services CAMHS are commissioned to deliver and also aligns with other CAMHS services regionally and nationally. They are also involved in some partnership work via the Children’s Alliance that aims to align all criteria across their partners, for example 0-19. This means there will be less gaps in services, less duplication and ease of access for young people.
The new referral form went live on the 24th of November 2025.
They won’t be accepting letters as a CAMHS referral from the 24th of November 2025 and only accept referrals via the online form or over the telephone.
There is an updated Wakefield CAMHS criteria including a decision tool on the webpage, again written with colleagues to help referrers decide whether Wakefield CAMHS is the right service for the child or young person in getting help. Please click on the links below to see the new criteria.
Click here to access an updated Wakefield CAMHS contact leaflet |
11. Multi-Agency Training Dates
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NEW DATES COMING FOR 2026 - Working Together - A Shared Responsibility
New dates for 2026 will soon be released, to register your interest for this training please click here. |
NEW - 16 Days of Action - Wakefield Domestic Abuse Learning Opportunities
Colleagues from Wakefield Council have produced a programme of learning to support the 16 Days of Action and White Ribbon Campaign for 2025. The learning included is:
- Civil Orders for those Experiencing Domestic Abuse
- Behind Closed Doors: Understanding and Supporting Those Who Have Experienced Domestic Abuse
- Domestic Abuse Related Death Review (DARDR) Briefing (Part 1)
- Various Self-Directed Learning
For more information, including how to access the links please click here
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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
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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
- 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
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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:
- 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.
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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.
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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.
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12. NEW DATES FOR 2026: Multi-Agency Neglect: A Shared Responsibility Training
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WSCP have released new dates throughout 2026 for our Multi-Agency Neglect: A Shared Responsibility Training. To find out more about this training course please see the flyer below and to book a place please click here. |
13. Engaging with Men Multi-Agency Training
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WSCP have a number of new dates available for the multi-agency Engaging with Men training course, please see the flyer below for more details. For more information and to book your place please click here. If you are interested in this training, please don't delay in booking onto - there are just 8 places remaining on the November session! |
14. Perinatal Mental Health Multi-Agency Training 2026
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Please see the flyer below for details of the new Perinatal Mental Health Multi-Agency Training courses that are taking place in 2026. For more information, including dates, times and how to book please click here. |
15. NEW Online Training: Disrupting Child Exploitation Using Slavery & Trafficking Risk Orders
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The Children's Society are pleased to share with you the details of an upcoming training opportunity as part of the ongoing work to improve the multi-agency approach to disrupting child exploitation across Wakefield.
To break the cycle of exploitation and abuse we need to target those ultimately responsible. By using creative approaches and making the most of the available legislation, we can ensure perpetrators receive appropriate sentences for their crimes while helping prevent them from targeting children and young people in the future.
If you work with children and young adults (0-25 years) who are experiencing or at risk of exploitation and abuse, then you have a crucial role to play in disrupting their exploitation and stopping the perpetrators who are ultimately responsible. It is only by everyone playing their part in disruption that we will be able to keep all children and young adults safe while targeting those who cynically profit from their abuse.
The use of Civil Orders is just one approach we can use to disrupt perpetrators of exploitation. This session will explore one type of Civil Order – Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders.
This session on ‘Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders: Identifying Risky Acts and Preparing Applications’ led by Detective Constable James Rudge at the National County Lines Coordination Centre's (NCLCC) Continuous Improvement Team aims to:
- Discuss the two types of Slavery and Trafficking Orders and their use
- Explain the legal test and standard of proof for Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders (STRO)
- Explore how police officers can build and present evidence for successful STRO applications
- Demonstrate how the police officers should present risk to legal departments
- Share best practice on how Officer’s in the Case (OIC) should prepare to support STRO applications
- Highlight how the NCLCC Continuous Improvement Team can assist
This session will take place online via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday 16th December from 10:00 - 11:30.
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16. All Lights on Green? Wakefield's Youth Vaping Report
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We are pleased to share with you Wakefield Council's newly published report: ‘All Lights on Green – Vaping and a Lost Generation?’, a study exploring children and young people’s experiences of vaping in the Wakefield District.
In Wakefield, the vision is to ensure every child can grow up healthy and happy, regardless of who they are or where they live. Young people told the researchers they were increasingly worried about vaping among their peers. Parents, professionals, and those working with youth echoed these concerns, highlighting the impact vaping is having on young people’s lives.
To better understand this issue, Wakefield Council launched a qualitative research programme in 2023, engaging young people aged 11-17 and adults who support them. They explored why young people vape, their beliefs and attitudes, and what might influence their choices.
This report presents Wakefield Council's findings alongside a review of current evidence. It adds new knowledge to the national evidence base and offers practical insights for local action. Please click here to read the report. |
17. Warm Welcome Spaces for Children and Families this Winter
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As the months get colder and with cost-of-living pressures still affecting residents across the district, Wakefield Council’s welcome spaces offer a place where people can enjoy a hot drink and friendly company.
From November, the Council’s 12 libraries are open as warm Welcome Spaces from 11am to 3pm. With access to thousands of books and free internet use, residents are welcome to come along and read, learn and take part in the activities running.
Families with children can also visit Family Hubs. The Hubs run services where you can link with other families and get support. They include breastfeeding support groups, playful learning groups, young carers groups and more.
Last year, over 13,000 people attended a welcome space activity at the family and youth hub session. Libraries also provided over 36,000 warm drinks between October 2024 and March 2025.
Residents can access cost of living support at the Help at the Hub centres across the district. Here residents can get help with money, including advice on energy bills, housing, jobs and skills from friendly staff and volunteers in a judgment free zone.
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18. Evaluation Report - ICON Babies Cry You Can Cope
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The National Institute of Health Research have published their report on the Independent Evaluation of ICON. To read the report please click
here.
This new study has found that the ICON programme, an infant abusive head trauma prevention initiative in the NHS, plays a crucial role in helping new parents cope with infant crying.
Public Health Wakefield have been raising awareness and promoting ICON to all their partners since 2020 and continue to do so as one of the Wakefield Children’s Safeguarding Partnership priorities.
To improve the ICON programme, parents suggested:
- Delivering the messages to fathers as well as mothers
- Tailoring the messages to the needs of individual families
- Extending the reach of the programme, for example by delivering the ICON messages on after-hours phone helplines and in postnatal mental health services
If anyone would like further information on the eLearning module that Public Health Wakefield have ‘rolled out’ to many services please contact Janet Wilson at janetwilson@wakefield.gov.uk To learn more about the ICON initiative please and to undertake the eLearning module visit the WSCP Safeguarding Babies and Infants webpage and scroll down to the ICON section. |
19. Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse - Free Webinars & Resources to Support Practice
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What You Need to Know About Child Sexual Abuse
Sadly, child sexual abuse is a very common form of harm. It is estimated that 1 in 10 children are sexually abused by the age of 16 in England and Wales. With growing media interest this past month, it is important to maintain a good understanding of the essential facts about child sexual abuse, so that we can collectively identify, respond to, and prevent it. The Centre of Expertise's have published an overview titled "What you need to know about child sexual expertise" distils the most important knowledge of child sexual abuse into 10 key points. Click here to read the guide and find out what you need to know. Get HelpIf you have been impacted by childhood sexual abuse, or are worried about someone you know or work with, there are services that can help. Visit the Centre of Expertise's Get support page to find the details of organisations who can offer advice and assistance, as well as their directory of over 350 national and local support services for victims, survivors and their families.
FREE Webinars
The Centre of Expertise 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 for 2026 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. |
20. Sign Up for Free Online Car Seat Safety Training
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Do you drive children around as part of your job? Or do you give advice to parents, carers or colleagues who do? If so, this free Stop-C training could be useful.
The session covers:
The rules around carrying children in cars, including safety checks and what the law says how cars are built, what safety features they have, and how child seats fit.
There are only a few places available:
- Wednesday 7 January 2026 (9:30am to 1pm)
- Tuesday 3 February 2026, (1pm to 4:30pm)
To find out more or book your place, email info@childseatsafety.co.uk |
21. Top Safety Tips for Families this November
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The Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) have published the following safety tips for families this November. Calling all professionals - where possible please share this important information with any parents/carers that you work with.
8 dangerous gifts that could be a nightmare this Christmas
Cheap gifts from unknown sellers on online marketplaces can come from anywhere in the world and can be dangerous. So, to help you shop safely online this festive season, CAPT have highlighted 8 dangerous gifts that could be a nightmare this Christmas. Are any of these on your Christmas shopping list? Click here to read more.
Please also see:
Electric scooters
Emergency doctors are worried about an epidemic of children with devastating injuries from e-scooter accidents.
Magnets
High-strength magnets can rip through a child’s gut if swallowed, causing serious and even life-threatening injuries.
Baby sleep products
They look really cute but can suffocate a small baby.
Water beads
As water beads bathe in stomach fluids, they can expand to many times their original size, posing a serious risk of blockage in a child’s bowel.
Button batteries
Button batteries can badly hurt or kill a small child if swallowed. Yet they will be found under almost every tree this Christmas. For more information about all of the risks above, plus three more dangers, read CAPT's blog on 8 dangerous gifts that could be a nightmare this Christmas.
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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
Eight new case reviews have been added to the collection this month featuring issues including child neglect, autism, suicide and children missing education. Please click here to read the reviews.
Why Language Matters: Responding to Child Abuse
NSPCC Learning has published the latest blog in its Why language matters series. The blog explores some of the problems with using the term ‘alleged’ in safeguarding and child protection work, highlighting how the term can imply that professionals don’t believe what a child has shared and how it can create barriers to children sharing their experiences. The blog outlines the importance of using simple, factual language when recording what a child has shared.
Read the blog: Why Language Matters: Why We Should Avoid Using the Term "Alleged" When Talking About Child Abuse and Neglect
Suicide
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published data on deaths by suicide in children and young people in England. They analysed data covering almost 12 million children and young people aged between 15 and 25-years-old from September 2011 to August 2022. Findings include: there were 4,315 deaths by suicide across the period; and 440 young people died by suicide in 2021-22, up 47% from 300 deaths in 2011-12.
Access the data: Suicides in children and young people across the academic year, England: September 2011 - August 2022
See also on NSPCC Learning: Young people's experiences of suicidal thoughts and feelings
Transitional Safeguarding
Research in Practice has published a briefing on safeguarding young people as they make the transition from adolescence into adulthood, highlighting a disconnect between the safeguarding systems for children and adults. The briefing discusses the concept of ‘transitional safeguarding’ and sets out six key principles, as well as outlining challenges and enablers to developing transitional safeguarding approaches.
Read the briefing: Transitional safeguarding briefing for sector leaders: strategic briefing
Online Safety: Private Messaging
NSPCC Learning has published a new report examining the technologies available to combat online grooming, and the role the UK government, Ofcom and tech platforms can play to protect children. The report looks at how existing tools and interventions could be applied to private communication, as well as emerging technologies that could address harm in end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) environments. Data was gathered by digital transformation partner PUBLIC through a literature review, expert interviews, and feedback and testing workshops. Findings show that the migration of conversations to private or E2EE channels is a challenge for protecting children online against grooming but introducing interventions across different stages of the grooming lifecycle would help to reduce risks to children. The report calls for a systems-based approach where different stakeholders work together to build a more secure online world through collaborative infrastructure, interoperable technology, and user empowerment. The NSPCC news story also shares figures provided by 44 UK police forces which show 7,263 Sexual Communication with a Child offences were recorded in 2024/25.
Read the news story: Data shows how criminals are using private messaging platforms to manipulate and groom children
Read the report: Tools to combat online harms: protecting children in private messaging spaces |
23. What Would You Like to Hear About?
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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.ukThe 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.
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