'working together to safeguard children' - programme objectives

A full-day drama-based module offering an understanding of roles and responsibilities in safeguarding the well being of children and young people, with particular emphasis on improving inter-agency working relationships and cultures. The module will focus on the ability to make judgements about how to act in a 'What to do if…' situation.

This module is designed for; those with a particular responsibility for safeguarding children; those who work regularly with (or who are in contact with) children, young people and adults who are parents/carers; practitioners from statutory, voluntary and independent agencies, who work with children and families e.g. Sure Start. This module is specifically tailored to your locality and the needs of your delegates.

We focus on:

• Safeguarding Children - A national and local profile, including recommendations from the Victoria Climbié Enquiry. What to do if you are worried a child is being abused protocols.

• What to do with an incident of significant harm (Child Protection Procedures), indicators to abuse (Physical, Sexual, Emotional), Conferences/Core Groups/ Child Protection Plans. Understanding the necessity for information sharing and accurate recording. Knowing what to do if there is insufficient response from other agencies.

• Initial referrals/enquiries/assessments: The Assessment Framework, and The Common Assessment Framework.

• Working in partnership to improve safety and outcomes for children, young people and their families, (a live inter-active workshop*).

  * In the morning delegates will have the opportunity to assess an incident of 'significant harm', portrayed in the play OUR DAILY BREAD, to highlight the focus of work with families – engagement, openness, collaboration, seeking permission, sharing information and consent. This is a unique piece of training that can be delivered only using drama techniques - delegates will be asked to draw up a Child Protection Plan.

"Our Daily Bread is a spectacular piece of theatre - the best play on child abuse and social work ever written.” GUARDIAN

In the afternoon the module examines the roles and responsibilities of different agencies and practitioners. In a spirit of 'shared responsibility' we examine barriers to working together and help develop ways of improving communication.