The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel for England has published its 2022/23 annual report.

The report analyses data and outlines learning from serious incidents, rapid reviews, local child safeguarding practice reviews, national reviews, thematic analysis and reports. Key themes explored include supporting critical thinking and professional challenge; impact of racial, ethnic and cultural identity on the lived experience of children; and recognising and responding to the vulnerability of babies.

Do you work with children, young people and families in Bedfordshire?

Would you like to be more effective when dealing with challenge in your professional role.

Do you work with children, young people and families in Bedfordshire?

Would you benefit from understanding more about the impact of Domestic Abuse and how to support victims/ survivors and those impacted by the abuse?

Have you seen or heard something suspicious but not sure about what to do with the information?

Have you seen something which doesn’t feel right but you are not sure what the issue is?

Has a resident given you information about possible criminal activity?

Do you believe an adult or child is showing signs that they could be being exploited?

The culture around exploitation is vital in ensuring the right response in terms of safeguarding victims and holding perpetrators to account. The language that we use has a direct impact on that culture. Our language directly impacts a child’s development, self-identity and self-confidence.

Do you always stop to think about the impact that your language can have?

The Department for Education (DfE) published a new edition of its statutory guidance Working together to safeguard children in December 2023.

This 2023 edition replaces Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018, which underwent a limited factual update in 2020.

The guidance outlines what organisations and agencies must and should do to help, protect and promote the welfare of all children and young people under the age of 18 in England.

From 8th November, nitrous oxide (also known as NOS or Nox) became a class C drug.

Roseann Taylor has been the inspiration behind the new ‘Just Drop It ‘campaign. Her son Azaan was tragically stabbed to death in Luton in 2018. He was just 18 years old.

How much do you know about parental conflict? What is it and how does it impact children?

Central Bedfordshire and Luton Councils have developed a new eLearning module available for anyone who’d like to learn more about parental conflict – whether you work with families and would like to learn more to better support them, or whether you are facing issues within your own family unit.

The Lullaby Trust have produced a free resource promoting Safe Sleeping whilst away from home.

The Dogs Trust Community & Education Team have a series of free webinars promoting safety around dog ownership and children.

London Grid for Learning (LGfL) are offering free 'Introduction to Neglect' webinar sessions are aimed at schools. Please click links for more information and contact LGfL for more information.