Management Information Sheet

Preventative Practice and Understanding of Neglect Survey

The need to improve the safeguarding system to better identify, prevent and tackle neglect is one of the Norfolk Safeguarding Children Partnership's (NSCP) top priorities. The 2021 Neglect Strategy draws from local and national learning in relation to neglect and incorporates the recommendations from Norfolk's past Serious Case Reviews (SCRs) / Safeguarding Practice Reviews (SPRs). Equally important is having a system that is able to respond to the vulnerabilities of children and families at the earliest opportunity. Senior leaders from across Children's Services and other organisations are working together on developing a model that delivers a joined-up approach to early help to improve outcomes and prevents children and young people needing specialist support.

In order to inform the development of an early prevention model and the work of the NSCP Neglect Strategy, we would like to hear from school leaders and DSLs about their experiences of early prevention and neglect, and invite you to contribute through a survey, which should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete.

Thank you for your collaboration and support.

Multi-Agency Support Panels

Multi-Agency Support Panels (MASP) were set up to support education providers' responses to children and families to prevent the escalation of need for emerging vulnerable families not subject to an existing support plan (Early Help, Child in Need, Child Protection etc). The aim of the panel is to support schools and settings to respond to the emerging worries about children and families to prevent escalation, where:

• Children and young people who mainly have their needs met with access to universal services
  and
• Are at risk of entering Children's social care and other specialist services without early intervention

The arrangement has been in place since the beginning of the third national lockdown and we have received positive feedback from those settings that have participated. As we move into the last part of the academic year, we would encourage education settings to review any emerging vulnerabilities for their pupils and consider whether a referral to the MASP might be helpful.

Please note that the MASP is not a safeguarding forum; if your concern is related to the safety of a child or young person you must call CADS on 0344 800 8021.

How to access this support

If you would like to discuss a MASP for a pupil, please call our Partner & Community Focus Service on the contact number relevant to your district below and ask for a MASP referral:

• Breckland - 01362 654567
• Broadland - 01603 222811
• Great Yarmouth (East) - 01493 448153
• North Norfolk - 01692 502205
• Norwich - 01603 222812
• South Norfolk - 01603 222814
• West Norfolk and King's Lynn - 01553 669673

The telephone lines are open between 8:30am and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. If they determine that the MASP can help, the referral will be listed for a multi-agency case discussion. Further guidance about the MASP process is available on the Schools and Learning Providers website.