- Working Together To Safeguard Children Proposed Changes to Guidance
- Wakefield Families Together Leadership Programme - January 2024
- Why Is Water Safety So Important?
- Education Updates
- Safeguarding Week 2023 - Trauma Masterclass Evaluation Infographic
- Multi-Agency Training Dates
- Multi-Agency Neglect: A Shared Responsibility Training
- Recorded Training On The Neglect Toolkit
- NCDV (National Centre for Domestic Abuse) Civil Orders Training
- Identification & Support of Young Carers Training Resources
- Child Protection Conference Guidance For Parents & Carers
- NEW - Sudden Unexpected Death In Childhood (SUDIC) One Minute Guide
- Safeguarding Online Gaming & Gambling Awareness Campaign
- Careers Fair For 16-18 Year Olds
- Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel Updates
- Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre (RASAC) Children's Services
- NSPCC Updates
- Summer Holiday Activities
- WSCP Information Posters - Available To Request!
- Useful Links
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1. Working Together To Safeguard Children Proposed Changes To Guidance
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You may already be aware The Government launched its consultation on updating Working Together to Safeguard Children at the end of June, which runs until 6th September.
Please click here to access a helpful summary of the proposed updates, which contains links to the main draft document.
We are planning to submit a Wakefield Safeguarding Children Partnership collective response. To inform this response the WSCP Business Unit will be facilitating two 1 hour virtual sessions in August to which you are invited to attend one to provide your views:
Pease feel free to join one of the sessions by accessing the link above, we will also send diary invites out to those who are regular attendees at our WSCP meetings.
Alongside this, we would encourage you to complete the survey to provide your individual views should you wish.
Finally, there is also a children and young people’s consultation. Should you work or volunteer directly with children, we have put together a short survey - https://forms.office.com/r/uEtHfKx2T2. Please consider asking any children or young people you work or volunteer with to complete this (takes 5 minutes). Any responses we receive we will compile and submit to the consultation. Please feel free to share across your staff teams and networks. |
2. Wakefield Families Together Leadership Programme - January 2024
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Expressions of interest to attend the Wakefield Families Together Leadership Programme is now live. The leadership programme is multi-agency, free and bespoke for Wakefield and for a range of different people. It could be that you are a manager, line manager, coordinator who is in a position to embed systems leadership within your own agency, a practitioner who has a passion for learning, collaborative working and building relationships or a worker who has desire to understand a wider lens to agency working. To express your interest or to nominate somebody from your organisation please provide details to wscpevents@wakefield.gov.uk. The deadline for expressions of interest is 29th September 2023 so we would encourage you to be quick in taking up the offer as places are on a first come first serve basis. The programme will commence on 23rd and 24th January with following sessions scheduled for dates in February, March and April next year.
Please click here to access some briefing slides for further information on the programme. Please share widely across your teams and networks. Please share widely across your teams and networks. |
3. Why Is Water Safety So Important?
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You may have noticed that over the last few months WSCP have had a strong focus on promoting water safety to children and young people. This recently culminated in the creation of three water safety films to bring home the hard hitting realities of swimming in open water, to view the films click here. However, have you wondered why this focus is? In the last few years there have been a number of water related deaths in the Wakefield district that could have been avoided. The National Child Mortality Database (NCMD) recently published their thematic report on trauma which contains child death data collected from from April 2019 to March 2022, which highlights how much of a concern deaths due to drowning is nationally. See infographic below for key findings. |
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The table below shows the number of child deaths as a result of drowning between April 2019 and March 2022, by year of death and location of drowning (source NCMD)
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The table below shows the number of child deaths as a result of drowning between April 2019 and March 2022, by season (source NCMD).
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Drowning in the UK accounts for more accidental fatalities annually than fire deaths in the home or cycling deaths on the road. The sad fact is that drowning is consistently seen to be highlighly preventable, which is why it is so important to re-iterate safety messages to children and young people.
What can be done to help keep children safe around water?
- Increase awareness and dissemination of water safety advice within the home, especially during hot spells or summer months. This should include the dangers for young children in baths, hot tubs, paddling and swimming pools and other water in the home. Click here for RLSS UK guidance on how to ensure your home and garden are safe.
- Ensuring appropriate supervision at all times for children and young people when in, or around water, is vital, including when on holiday aboard. Click here for a CAPT factsheet practioners can download and share with parents when talking through the need for supervision.
- It is very important that children are taught to be water competent, to be familiar with water safety and to identify risk. This will ensure they can float if they find themselves in open water and reduces the chance of panic. The Float to Live campaign is recognised as a good example of this.
For further useful water safety resources please visit the WSCP Water Safety webpage
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NSPCC Learning has published new content on the inspection process for schools’ safeguarding and child protection practice and procedures. It covers what inspectors look at before and during visits and what schools are required to do in all four UK nations. Click here to find out more.
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5. Safeguarding Week 2023 - Trauma Masterclass Evaluation Infographic
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The Masterclass: Trauma: A Lifespan Perspective was held on the 21st June and hosted by the Safeguarding Adults Board, Safeguarding Children Partnership and Community Safety Partnership as a region-wide event for all practitioners who work and/or volunteer with children.
With input from the West Yorkshire Adversity, Risk and Resilience Steering Group, Education Psychology, the Emotional Wellbeing Team, Youth Justice and CAMHS, it was an excellent opportunity to share knowledge, network and learn more about becoming trauma aware and trauma responsive.
The event was recorded, so if you weren't able to catch it on the day you can watch it here (the recording is in two parts). Still not sure watching it will be of any benefit to you? Click the button below to download the masterclass evaluation infographic, which summarises the feedback provided by the professionals who attended the event, including their key takeaways. |
6. Multi-Agency Training Dates
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This course is designed to increase the participants knowledge and understanding of Working Together 2018 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 hereAvailable course dates & times:
- Tuesday 26th September, 09:15am - 4:30pm
- Tuesday 14th November, 09:15am - 4:30pm
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 Officer (LADO) and the WSCP Safeguarding Advisor for Education Vicki Maybin. If you are interested in this training please email wscpevents@wakefield.gov.ukAvailable 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, please click herePAPYRUS are hosting a SP-EAK (Suicide Prevention – Explore, Ask, Keep Safe) training course, which covers the attitudes, myths and stigma surrounding suicide. This course explores the signs that may indicate someone is having thoughts of suicide.
For more information and to book your place, please click here
Available course dates & times:
Tuesday 3rd October, 9.30am - 1pm
- 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. If you are interested in any of the above modules please download and complete the booking form for autumn and email it wakefieldcamhs.training@swyt.nhs.uk
NEW - Reducing Parental Conflict
This course is designed to increase the participants knowledge and understanding of what parental conflict is, how to recognise it as well as encouraging participants to develop a range of practical strategies in supporting families to address conflict with the help of Wakefield's Relationship Toolkit.
For more information click here
Available course dates and times
- Wednesday 16th August, 10am - 12pm (face-to-face)
- Tuesday 19th September, 1pm - 3pm (virtual)
- Thursday 19th October, 10am - 12pm (face-to-face)
- Monday 20th November, 1pm - 3pm (virtual)
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7. 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 4th October. |
Click here for further information and to book a place. |
8. Recorded Training On The Neglect Toolkit
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WSCP have released new recorded training titled "Your How to Guide: WSCP Neglect Toolkit". This recording is designed to help professionals understand how to use the neglect toolkit within their own organisation. To access the recording please click here |
9. NCDV (National Centre for Domestic Abuse) Civil Orders Training
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Please see the flyer below for information about the NCDV Civil Orders training that is taking place on the 20th September.
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For further information and to book a place please click here |
10. Identification & Support of Young Carers Training Resources
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Carers Trust have developed training resources to help with improving the identification and support of young carers. These resources support a wide variety of professionals, including volunteers, from:
- Education, health and social care sectors
- Children and young people's services including youth workers
- Young carers services
- Voluntary and community sector organisations
- Faith organisations
The resources will help professionals to understand young carers, and how an offer of support can be made to them and their families, to reduce excessive or inappropriate caring. To access the resources and to find out more please click here |
11. Child Protection Conference Guidance For Parents & Carers
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Wakefield Safeguarding Children Partnership have created a new webpage which aims to provide parents and carers with information about what happens when a Child Protection Conference (CPC) is held. Click here to find out more. |
12. NEW - Sudden Unexpected Death In Childhood (SUDIC) One Minute Guide
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WSCP have recently published the following new One Minute Guide:
There are many other OMG's available in the series, please click here to take a look. |
13. Safeguarding Online Gaming & Gambling Awareness Campaign
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WSCP and Wakefield Council want safe environments for children and young people, including when they're online; especially during the school holidays when they’re more likely to be spending a greater portion on their time online. On average children spend nearly five hours a day at the weekend gaming online.
Gaming shouldn’t interfere with their schoolwork, friendships or their health and hygiene. We all have a part to play in protecting our district’s children and young people. It starts with learning the risks and warning signs to look out for and having open conversations with children and young people.
Get involved and talk to them about the risks of being online and how to stay safe. Not sure how? Wakefield Safeguarding Children Partnership are partnered with YGAM who offer training and resources for teachers and youth workers, parents and carers, health professionals and faith and community leaders. If you have a concern about a child, share it and call 03458 503 503. For urgent concerns call the police on 999. |
14. Careers Fair For 16-18 Year Olds
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Connexions are hosting their annual NEET (not in education, employment or training) Careers Fair which takes place at Lightwaves on Wednesday 13th September 1pm-3.30pm. This event is primarily aimed at 16-18 year olds who are NEET or school leaves and who have not made a successful transition into post 16 provision. Please see the flyer below for further details:
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Is a young person you know or work with looking for a job and need help writing their first CV? Show them the short video below creased by Monster.co.uk which contains useful hints and tips about how to write a CV.
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15. Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel Updates
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In June 2023 the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel (CSPRP) hosted their first national conference based around the theme of "Reimagining Child Protection - New Opportunities".
The conference sought to give a clear and direct voice to children and young people, bringing their perspectives and ideas about how we can create a strong safeguarding system. As well as a poetry performance (on the theme of being kind), there were interviews with children and young people, two videos created by children and young people in Newham and Somerset respectively, and a final plenary session where three young Londoners posed a range of questions to a panel of safeguarding leaders.
Discussion at the conference will help shape Panel work in relation to issues about race, culture and racism, neglect, and intrafamilial child sexual abuse.
Please see below a short highlight video from the conference.
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16. Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre (RASAC) Children's Services
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The Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASAC) is a rape crisis centre which support survivors of all genders of sexual violence who live in the Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield regions.
They have three different services, helpline, therapeutic support and a Children and Young People’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (CHISVA).
Their helpline service involves phone support (0300 303 4787), web chat support which can be accessed at www.kcrasac.co.uk and www.chyps.co.uk and email support ( helpline@kcrasac.co.uk) for survivors, family or friends and professionals who want support, information or advice.
RASAC Therapeutic Services are for anyone 13 and over who have experienced sexual or domestic violence. They have many services within this such as counselling, art therapy, group therapy, reiki, support sessions and group support. You can make a referral for therapeutic services via the RASAC website but you must have consent from the victim to refer to their services. After referring to therapeutic services, victims will be contacted within 3 months to organise an initial assessment meeting. Victims who have received therapeutic support with RASCA previously are asked to wait a minimum of 6 months from their last session before re-referring.
The Children and Young People’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (CHISVA) service supports victims of sexual violence of all genders aged 8 and above who are either thinking of reporting or have already reported and want support with the Criminal Justice System. They advisor can support by explaining the options available to victims within the Criminal Justice System, attending appointments with them and supporting them in making informed choices.
RASAC also offer practical support around housing, finances, education, etc. as well as emotional support focusing on the here and now (e.g. flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety).
You can refer to the CHISVA service via this section on the Make a Referral webpage but you must have consent from the victim to refer to their services. Once a referral is received, the ISVA’s will contact the victim within 48 working hours.
Should you need to contact RASAC please see the details below:
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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. Case ReviewsThe NSPCC have added six case reviews to the collection this month featuring a number of issues including child sexual abuse, serious injuries and harmful sexual behaviour. Please click here to take a look.
Cyberbullying
The Association for Child and Mental Health Professionals (ACAMH) has released a podcast episode on cyberbullying which focuses on different coping strategies in adolescents. Listen to the podcast: Cyberbullying among adolescents: coping strategies and cyberbullying perpetration
Cost of Living
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Students has published a report examining the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on further education students in England. Findings include an increase in safeguarding issues for 16- to 18-year-olds such as criminal and sexual exploitation and abuse, domestic abuse, and mental health disclosures.
Read the press release: MPs call for action on cost-of-living crisis for FE students
Read the report: The impact of the cost-of-living crisis on students in further education (PDF)
Child Sexual Exploitation
NSPCC Learning has published an updated Learning from case review briefing on child sexual exploitation (CSE). The briefing includes key learning around: identifying children and young people at risk of CSE; recognising and responding to signs of CSE; and the use of victim blaming language. Learning for better practice includes the need for ongoing and child centred support for young people experiencing CSE.
Read the briefing: Child sexual exploitation: learning from case reviews
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18. Summer Holiday Activities
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For fun and free or low cost ways for families to keep their children entertained in the summer holidays, please check out the links below:
Happy Healthy Holidays
The Wakefield Happy Healthy Holidays programme will once again be running over the summer school holidays for all children and young people, from reception age to year 11, who are eligible for, and in receipt of free school meals.
Over 60 venues across the district will be offering a range of activities between 31 July and 25 August thanks to Wakefield Council, partners and the continued funding by Department of Education.
A Grand Day Out Events
Wakefield Council are hosting a series of "Grand Day Out" events at locations across the district. These events see a whole weekend of free family fun and summer activities, including sand pits, free craft activities, face painting and more. To find out more click on the links below: A Grand Day Out Castleford - Friday 11th - Saturday 12th August
A Grand Day Out South Elmsall - Friday 18th - Saturday 19th August
A Grand Day Out Wakefield - Friday 26th - Saturday 26th August
Additional Free/Low Cost Summer Activities:
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19. WSCP Information Posters - Available To Request!
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The Business Unit have created the poster below to explain more about WSCP including who we are, what we do and what to do if you have any concerns about the safety of a child.
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Should you wish to request printed copies of this poster to display in waiting rooms, reception and staff areas please contact wscp@wakefield.gov.uk detailing how many you require, and we will be in touch to confirm arrangements regarding how you will receive them.
Please note: We have a limited number of posters currently available to share with services across the strict so please only request what you will need. |
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