NSPCC Learning has published a CASPAR briefing summarising key findings from the Independent review of children’s social care in England's initial report. The briefing focuses on key findings from The case for change report organised under the following themes: helping families; the child protection system; the care system; and addressing issues in the system. This is an initial report from the independent review aimed at starting the conversation about possible solutions to the issues faced by social care, and the review is calling for feedback, as well as further ideas, views and evidence, by 13 August 2021.

Read the CASPAR briefing: The independent review of children's social care

Give feedback: Case for change: feedback form

Source: Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel
Date: 14 May 2021

The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel has published its second annual report looking at how effectively the system of national and local child safeguarding practice reviews is operating in England. The Panel received notification of 482 serious incidents between 1 January and 31 December 2020, relating to 514 children. Of those notifications, 206 were in relation to child deaths and 267 related to serious harm. Of the 206 fatal incidents, 17% were caused by maltreatment within the family, 8% were extra-familial assaults or homicide, 31% were sudden unexpected deaths in infancy (SUDI) and 20% were suicides. Notifications relating to serious harm notifications show that: physical abuse was the main form of harm recorded in 38% of non-fatal cases; domestic abuse was recognised in 42.6% of non-fatal incidents; and parental mental ill-health was a characteristic in 27.3% of non-fatal incidents. The report identifies six key practice themes to make a difference in reducing serious harm and preventing child deaths caused by abuse or neglect. A briefing summarising learning from this report will be published by NSPCC Learning next week.

Read the press release: Safeguarding system needs to tackle “stubborn challenges”
Read the report: Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel: annual report 2020

Source: NSPCC Learning
Date: 05 May 2021

NSPCC Learning has relaunched the safeguarding self-assessment tool for schools and voluntary and community groups. The free self-assessment tool provides: a step-by-step guide to help your school or organisation meet best safeguarding and child protection practices, help to identify areas for development, and support you in making any changes necessary.

Visit the self-assessment tool: Safeguarding and child protection self-assessment tool

Source: Home Office, Ministry of Justice
Date: 29 April 2021

The Domestic Abuse Bill received Royal Assent on 29 April 2021. The Domestic Abuse Act explicitly recognises children as victims if they see, hear or experience the effects of abuse and includes a legal definition of domestic abuse which incorporates a range of abuses beyond physical violence, including emotional, coercive or controlling behaviour, and economic abuse.

Read the news story: Landmark Domestic Abuse Bill receives Royal Assent
Read the Act: Domestic Abuse Act

See also on NSPCC Learning 
Protecting children from domestic abuse

Sexual abuse in schools

Source: Ofsted
Date: 07 April 2021

Ofsted has published the terms of reference for the review of safeguarding policies in state and independent schools and colleges in England in relation to sexual abuse. The review will: look at: whether schools and colleges have appropriate processes in place to allow pupils to report sexual abuse concerns freely, knowing these will be taken seriously; look at whether there is sufficient guidance for schools and colleges on how they should deal with sexual harassment and violence allegations, and whether they understand and implement guidance well; and identify whether current inspection regimes in both state and private schools are strong enough to address concerns and promote the welfare of children.

Read the terms of reference: Ofsted review of sexual abuse

See also on NSPCC Learning 
> Protecting children from peer-on-peer sexual abuse