Management Information Sheet

On 29 Oct the Norfolk Safeguarding Children Board (NSCB) published a Serious Case review, Case L, on its website. www.nscb.norfolk.gov.uk

This case involved a family of five children who experienced chronic neglect. Throughout the period of the review the case was dealt with under a CAF (now Family Support Process or FSP). We strongly encourage all schools to read through the report and think about your current practice as there is learning for partners in education as well as across the children's workforce.

This report was published alongside an action plan and attracted some media attention. We have made it clear that the response needs to be considered in light of the implementation of the multi-agency strategy to identify and tackle neglect as well as the implementation of the Signs of Safety social care model. The findings and recommendations will continue to be addressed during the planned restructure of Children’s Services, ensuring that we learn from the case and improve the systems to safeguard children.

We would also like to take this opportunity to draw to your attention the requirement that all schools are trained in FSP. School staff are in a unique position to work with families and support them to change, but also have the difficult job of managing relationships when parents/carers need to be challenged. The FSP training is designed to help you develop these skills and ensure that no case is left to drift and that the child is kept at the heart of all processes, from early help to safeguarding and child protection. It is recognised that not all Senior Designated Professionals (SDPs) undertake FSP assessments with some schools using external agencies or Parent Support Advisers to manage their FSPs however it is important that SDPs have the necessary skills to oversee these plans. In line with the findings of the Review, it is recommended that all SDPs undertake training in the Family Support Process. This recommendation has been endorsed by the NSCB Education Advisory Group.

Further information regarding training can be accessed via the Norfolk Early Help website. For all training booking enquiries please email: csisa@norfolk.gov.uk.

David Ashcroft

Chair of the Norfolk Safeguarding Children Board