- WSCP Annual Report 2022/23
- What Does WSCP DO?
- ICON Week 2023: Raising Awareness Of Infant Crying & How To Cope
- NEW - WSCP 7 Point Briefing Concerning An Infant Child
- Education Updates
- WSCP Website - Planned Maintenance
- Multi-Agency Training Dates
- FREE Online Safety Session
- NWG Child Exploitation Partnership & Practice Learning Forums
- Gaming & Gambling Harms Support For Children & Young People
- "The Big Ambition" Survey By The Children's Commissioner
- NEW WSCP One Minute Guides
- Joint Targeted Area Inspection - Guidance For Professionals
- CoramBAAF Private Fostering Awareness Day
- Reducing Parental Conflict - Why Is It Important?
- Water Safety - Make The Right Call!
- A Guide To Buying & Using Second Hand Baby Sleeping Products
- NSPCC Updates
- Safety Alert - Keep Water Beads Away From Young Children
- Useful Links
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1. WSCP Annual Report 2022/23
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Wakefield Safeguarding Children Partnership (WSCP) have published the Annual Report for 2022/23 which summarises, reflects on and presents the work of WSCP from 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2023. This covers the third full financial year of operation by the WSCP since it replaced the previous Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) in September 2019.
The report focuses largely on the impact the partnership has achieved, documenting the work undertaken by the partnership's Executive and 5 sub-groups, highlighting areas of strength and the areas the partnership needs to focus on developing within the next year. To access a copy of the full report please click here. |
The purpose of Wakefield Safeguarding Children Partnership (WSCP) is to support organisations to work together in a system where:
- Children are safeguarded and their welfare is promoted
- Organisations work together, share and have joint ownership to improve outcomes for children
- Organisations challenge appropriately and hold one another to account
- There is early identification and analysis of emerging safeguarding risks
- Learning is promoted in a way that organisations can become more reflective and improve services for children and families.
To know more about who we are, our responsibilities and what our priorities are between 2022 – 2025, please click here. |
3. ICON Week 2023: Raising Awareness Of Infant Crying & How To Cope
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The third annual ICON week (25 to 29 September 2023) is currently taking place to raise awareness of infant crying and how to cope to support parents/carers and prevent serious injury, illness and even death of young babies as a result of Abusive Head Trauma that happens when someone shakes a baby. ICON is a programme adopted by health and social care organisations in the UK to provide information about infant crying, including how to cope, support parents/carers, and reduce stress. The ICON acronym stands for: I - Infant crying is normal and it will stop C - Comfort methods can sometimes soothe the baby and the crying will stop O - It’s Okay to walk away for a few minutes if you have checked the baby is safe and the crying is getting to you N - Never ever shake or hurt a baby This year’s ICON Week is once again focussing on sharing ideas and best practices. Many webinars are taking place throughout this week and are open to everyone. For more information and joining instructions, please visit www.iconcope.org/iconweek2023 |
4. NEW - WSCP 7 Point Briefing Concerning An Infant Child
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Wakefield Safeguarding Children Partnership (WSCP) undertook a Rapid Review concerning a 2 year old following their sudden and tragic death at home. Some areas the review considered include managing complex safeguarding risk in families where there are multiple children and the effectiveness of communication between services who were supporting the family.
To learn more about this review including the audit findings and the next steps, you can read the 7 Point Briefing by clicking here. |
Childnet Online Safety Calendar
Childnet have released their "Online Safety Calendar" which offers schools engaging ways of incorporating online safety advice into the curriculum. Display as a poster or add to your noticeboard for reminders of key dates including:
- Safer Internet Day
- Anti-Bullying Week
- Childnet Film Competiton
- World Book Day
Plus it has additional tips for embedding online safety throughout the year. The poster also has links to awareness days and resources throughout, so be sure to have a digital copy saved to your device. To access the Online Safety Calendar 2023-24 please click here
Early Help Services Leaflet For Parents & Carers
Wakefield Families Together have launched their new Early Help Services leaflet to support schools to share information with parents and carers on how to access early help and support through Family Hubs and the Team around the School. This leaflet sets out to explain to parents how Targeted Early Help works and what they can expect from the service. Please click here to access the leaflet and feel free to print copies and have them available in your school reception areas.
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6. WSCP Website - Planned Maintenance
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The WSCP website will be undergoing planned maintenance on Monday 23rd October, and will be unavailable for the full day. During this time please do not attempt to book onto any of the training courses advertised on the WSCP website (as detailed in articles 7 and 8 below) as the booking will not come through to us.
We will be back to normal from Tuesday 24th October, so if there is anything you want to book on to please do so then.
We are sorry for any inconvenience caused. |
7. 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:
19th March 2024, 9.15am - 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 Designated 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 to 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
- Thursday 19th October, 10am - 12pm (face-to-face)
- Monday 20th November, 1pm - 3pm (virtual)
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8. FREE Online Safety Session
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The UK Safer Internet Centre are delighted to partner with Wakefield Safeguarding Children Partnership to deliver a FREE Online Safety Session, on 24th January 2024
The face-to-face session is open to all who work with children and young people, and will give you the latest in research, legislation, technology, tools and resources along with exclusive access to the presentation, research and resource materials. Safety online is constantly changing and the purpose of Online Safety Live events is to provide access to this information, right on people’s doorsteps. |
The UK Safer Internet Centre understand that everyone is busy and the feedback has been clear that getting time away from work is a challenge – this is the why they have organised these events as short briefing sessions. They provide vital information, critically supplemented with access to detailed resources to review later. The team from the UK Safer Internet Centre will also be available to answer any of questions. To find out more and to book your place please click here |
9. NWG Child Exploitation Partnership & Practice Learning Forums
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NWG are hosting a number of FREE Forums in 2023 and 2024, aimed at those who have a responsibility for tactical and operational response to child exploitation, delivered through partnership working. These forums are held virtually and are scheduled to take place on the following dates:
- 7th December 2023 10am -12pm - click here to book your place
- 11th April 2024 10.30am - 12.30pm - click here to book your place
- 18th July 2024 10am - 12pm - click here to book your place
The NWG are also hosting a range of other events and forums throughout the remainder of 2023 and in 2024. To find out more click on the button below. Please note some events are chargeable. |
10. Gaming & Gabling Harms Support For Children & Young People
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Ygam is an award-winning charity with a mission to prevent children and young people from experiencing gaming and gambling harms through awareness raising, education and research. Their workshops aimed at parents and those supporting children in care, will equip you with the knowledge, resources, and confidence to have meaningful interactions with your children on these issues.
Click here to find out more! Alternatively, visit their dedicated Parent Hub page for further information and support. Together, they can help open the conversation around gaming and gambling harms and help safeguard our digital generation. |
11. "The Big Ambition" Survey By The Children's Commissioner
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The Children's Commissioner have launched their "The Big Ambition" survey to hear directly from children, young people, and parents across the country.
The aim of the Big Ambition Survey is to hear from children and young people about their schools, communities, family life and the wider world. It will ask them what they want for their future, their hopes, dreams and aspirations.
The survey is for all children and young people aged from 6, up to 18. Alongside this, parents and others adults can complete the survey on behalf of children and young people aged 0, up to 5, to ensure the Children's Commissioner also hear from early years settings.
To access the survey please click here and to find out more information please visit the Big Ambition website
The survey is open until Friday 15th December, therefore please can you share this with any children and families that you work with, to get as many responses as possible. |
12. NEW - WSCP One Minute Guides
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WSCP have recently published new One Minute Guides (OMG's) on Bullying and Controlling & Coercive Behaviour. What do these guides cover? The Bullying OMG covers the following:
- What is bullying
- Cyber bullying
- The impact of bullying
- What practitioners should do if they suspect bullying
- What support is available to a child
- The protected characteristics of the Equality Act that apply to children
- Signposting to support services
- Other guidance documents/information
Click here to access this OMG and find out more! The Controlling & Coercive Behaviour covers the following:
- What is controlling and coercive behaviour
- What kind of abusive behaviour might be taking place
- What is the effect of living with coercive control
- How to support someone affected by coercive control
- Who do I need to contact for help
Click here to access this OMG and find out more! Did you know that WSCP have a range of useful OMG's on a variety of different topics. Why not click on the button below to take a look and see what is available. |
13. Joint Targeted Area Inspection (JTAI) - Guidance For Practitioners
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Ofsted, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) together undertake a programme of Joint Targeted Area Inspections (JTAIs) in a local area.
JTAI is an inspection of the local area arrangements and how leaders, managers and practitioners work together across the local authority, police, health providers and partner services to safeguard children and promote their welfare. WSCP have published a handy "two minute guide" for professionals providing more information about what a JTAI is and the the JTAI process. The guide covers:
- What does JTAI focus on
- Who undertakes the inspection
- What does activity consist of
- How long does the inspection last
- What is happening in Wakefield
There is also links to further reading that is available on different JTAI's that have bee undertaken and the ones that are currently live. To find out more and access the two minute guide please click here |
14. CoramBAAF Private Fostering Awareness Day
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Set aside 8th November for CoramBAAF's Private Fostering Awareness Day and start planning events in your area now!
A child who is cared for by someone who is not a close relative for more than 28 days is living in a private fostering arrangement. All local authorities have a responsibility to raise awareness of private fostering in their area. CoramBAAF has listened to and liaised with members and is delighted to announce this national Private Fostering Awareness Day.
Open to all
On the 8th November join CoramBAAF for a free and open access Breakfast Briefing – An Introduction to Private Fostering at 9.00am. This 45-minute session will provide key information about private fostering, particularly relevant to social workers new to this area or colleagues working in health and education. This will be followed by a Lunch and Learn webinar at 12.30pm where members can hear about promising practice from different local authorities with the focus on raising awareness. The event will provide the opportunity and momentum for local authorities to consider updating or creating new materials.
Coram BAAF don’t know the exact numbers of children living in private fostering arrangements. But they do know that many people don’t understand what private fostering is or how it differs from kinship care or unrelated foster care. They want to raise awareness to make sure that children and families are getting the support available to them.
Save the date:
Further information on the CoramBAAF News, social media and website will follow as their plans develop so register your interest today using the button link below!
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15. Reducing Parental Conflict - Why Is It Important?
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The Reducing Parental Conflict Programme has recently published the results of the piloting phase, 2019-22. The research indicates that around half of parents who engaged with parental conflict support found sessions helped to improve their relationship, even up to a year later. Participants had been experiencing regular intense conflict and included parents that were together, separating and separated.
The majority of parents found their children’s mental health improved after they accessed Reducing Parental Conflict support. Almost three quarters of parents who engaged with relationship support recognised a positive impact on their children, even 12 months after the course.
Calling all professionals who work with families - Reducing Parental Conflict (RPC) training is available for you to undertake. The training is designed to increase participants knowledge and understanding of what parental conflict is, how to recognise it as well as encouraging participants to develop a range of practice strategies in supporting families to address conflict with the help of Wakefield's Relationship Toolkit. Training dates are available in October and November, to find out more and book a place please click here |
16. Water Safety - Make The Right Call!
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The summer months might be coming to an end but it is important to remember water safety is important all year round. Whether its hot and sunny or cold and icy children and young people can still be tempted to enter open water and quickly find themselves in difficulty.
What to do if you see someone in difficulty in the water?
Almost 50% of people still don't know to call 999 when they see someone struggling in the water, with many people panicking and following their instinct to jump in and help. This includes children and young people who might spot a friend in trouble.
Please view and share the short video below which shows the personal struggle of one man fighting his instinct to jump in the water to help a friend whose fallen in and is in difficulty. The video sees him wrestle his instinct to go in the water but ultimately making the right call, and calling 999. |
Calling all professionals - Children and young people need to be aware they will be more help to a friend who is in difficulty in the water, if they stay calm, stay out of the water and call 999. Help share this important message with any children and families you may work with. Remember the WSCP website has a dedicated water safety webpage containing a range of educational resources to promote the importance of water safety to children and young people, including what to do if they get into difficulty. Click here to take a look.
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17. A Guide To Buying & Using Second Hand Baby Sleeping Products
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The Lullaby Trust have updated their Product Guide - A Guide to Buying Safer Sleep Essentials, to include a whole new section on buying and using second-hand baby products.
This guide is a must have for new and expectant parents and carers and provides information on the following:
- Product claims and what to look for
- Claims you should ignore
- Safer sleep essentials for your baby
- Products they advise you not to buy
- Second hand baby products
- British Safety Standards
Click here to access a copy of this useful guide . Calling all professionals: Please share this updated guide with any families you work with who are new or expectant parents. |
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. Child Sexual Abuse
The National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) has launched a four-week campaign to raise awareness of the Child Sexual Abuse Review Panel (CSARP). The Panel supports individuals in England and Wales who reported allegations of child sexual offences which were then marked ‘no further action’ before 5 June 2013. The campaign aims to reach people who have experienced child sexual abuse who may benefit from contacting the CSARP. Find out more: Child Sexual Abuse Review Panel
View campaign material: CSARP Campaign Material
Why Language Matters: Early HelpNSPCC Learning has published a new blog post as part of its Why Language Matters series explaining ‘early help’ and looking at the differences between ‘early help’ and ‘early intervention’. The blog post explores the lack of shared understanding around these terms and discusses how this impacts on the provision of support for families. Read the blog: Why language matters: what is meant by ‘early help’
School Exclusions and Child Criminal Exploitation
BBC File on 4 has released a new episode on school exclusions and child criminal exploitation in England. The episode hears from parents, pupils and teachers and discusses the targeting of children by criminal gangs.
Listen to the episode: A different class: excluded kids lured into crime
See also on NSPCC Learning: Protecting children from county lines
Child Sexual Abuse and VR Technology
NSPCC Learning has published a new study on child sexual abuse and child sexual exploitation in immersive technologies. The research explores the risks presented by virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) and includes interviews with professionals, focus groups and a literature review. It finds that offenders are using immersive technology to groom, coerce, sexually abuse and exploit children. Further findings include: abuse can happen solely within a VR space; grooming within a VR space can lead to offline ‘real life’ offending; immersive technology is being used by perpetrators to simulate sex with 3D models of children; and technology companies are failing to prioritise child safeguarding on their platforms. The NSPCC calls for the government to ensure that child safety is factored into all policy making related to emerging technologies. Read the study: Child safeguarding and immersive technologies
Read the news story: Over 75% of people believe children are at significant risk of sexual abuse when using VR technology | NSPCC
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19. Safety Alert - Keep Water Beads Away From Young Children
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The Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) want to highlight the danger water beads can pose to young children. With their bright colours and squishy feel, water beads are especially appealing to young children, but they can be really dangerous if swallowed.
When dry, water beads are tiny and can be easily swallowed without detection. As they bathe in stomach fluids, they expand to many times their original size, posing a serious risk of blockage in a child's bowel. Water beads are readily available to buy online, and most come with no warnings about the danger of children swallowing them.
Visit the CAPT website to find out more and watch the short video below which shows exactly what water beads are if you are unsure, and demonstrates how big they can get. |
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