Search Results

Guidance and tools for schools and education professionals to promote safeguarding, early intervention, and safe learning environments. Education Toolkit আমি একটা অনুচ্ছেদ। এখানে ক্লিক করে নিজের লেখা যোগ করুন এবং আমাকে এডিট করুন। এটা সহজ। শুধু "Edit Text" এ ক্লিক করুন অথবা আপনার নিজস্ব কন্টেন্ট যোগ করতে এবং ফন্টে পরিবর্তন করতে আমাকে ডাবল ক্লিক করুন। আপনার পৃষ্ঠায় যেকোনো জায়গায় আমাকে টেনে আনতে দ্বিধা করবেন না। আমি আপনার জন্য একটি দুর্দান্ত জায়গা যেখানে আপনি গল্প বলতে পারেন এবং আপনার ব্যবহারকারীদের আপনার সম্পর্কে আরও কিছু জানাতে পারেন। The Education Toolkit page is where you will find Croydon and Government/DfE guidance to support safeguarding in your school . You will also find referral templates and editable documents to help seek the relevant support and advice for families you work with, these can be accessed via the associated sections below. The content of this page is overseen by the Education Safeguarding Team . If you have any queries or cannot find what you are looking for, please email them directly. Please note this mailbox is not intended for submitting referrals . Guidance on how to refer to specific services can be found within the relevant referral forms. If you are a professional working in education and need advice on a threshold or whether to make a referral, contact the education safeguarding team on the email below: Contact: MASHEducation@croydon.gov.uk Click on a button below to access the right guidance: সম্পর্কে অংশীদারিত্ব New Page Contact us Landing Page রিসোর্স Copy of 7-minute-briefings Local safeguarding practice reviews New Page New Page New Page New Page National Learning New Page New Page Services Projects New Page New Page New Page New Page Policies অংশীদারিত্ব External training providers Training levels News ফাইল শেয়ার Toolkits Parent/Carer Toolkit Youth support map Healthy Relationships Advisory Forum (HRAF) Please complete the criteria checklist and send it with a completed referral form to schoolsafeguardingconcerns@croydon.gov.uk HRAF Referral form The HRAF is an opportunity to discuss concerns around a child/young person’s behaviour which could have the potential to develop further if not disrupted. It could also be behaviour that is already showing abusive traits within a child / young person’s relationships. The behaviour can be physical, sexual, emotional, or coercive and can be directed towards a ‘partner’, friend, or family member. The forum will be made up of several professionals from non-statutory services who may be able to advise, signpost of offer direct support in extreme cases. Referral deadline Meeting date 20/04/2026 29/04/2026 01/06/2026 08/06/2026 29/06/2026 06/06/2026 Resources Healthy Relationship Advisory Forum Intro Healthy Relationship Advisory Forum Referral Leaflet Taking Action: Croydon's Response to Sexual Abuse in Schools Following the OFSTED review of Sexual Abuse in Schools and Colleges, June 2021, Croydon was proactive in exploring and responding to the issues within our schools. The following documents provides information and guidance about Croydon as well as the wider context of Child-on-Child abuse but also is a practical guide, providing links, resources, slides and more to support schools and colleges in understand and addressing the issues. Resources Review of sexual abuse in schools and colleges - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) HSB Model Risk Assessment Taking Action - Croydon's response to sexual abuse in schools handbook Staff sexual abuse in schools training slides Exclusions Please find the Croydon Suspensions and Exclusions documents below. When submitting a Permanent Exclusion Form, kindly ensure you also attach a copy of the exclusion letter that was issued to parents. Resources Permanent Exclusion Notification Form Suspension Notification Form v.2 Inclusive Practice Forums (formerly known as FAP) Documents and Forms Secondary Inclusive Practice (SIP) Documents SIP Forum Referral Form Croydon SIP Forum Guidance September 2023 Primary Inclusive Practice Documents Croydon Approach to Primary Exclusion Prevention PIP Forum Referral Form Please email all referrals forms to primaryinclusion@croydon.gov.uk by end of the working day deadline for discussion at the next Primary Inclusive Practice Forum. Croydon is proud to host monthly Inclusive Practice Forums for both primary and secondary schools (previously known as the Fair Access Panel or FAP). Secondary Inclusive Practice Forum Dates 2025-26 Fridays 8.30AM - 12.00PM Deadline for Submission of cases (by 5:00 PM) Pre-Sip Date Meeting Date Venue 30/04/2026 05/05/2026 15/05/2026 Oasis Academy Shirley Park 04/06/2026 09/06/2026 12/06/2026 tbc 25/06/2026 30/06/2026 10/07/2026 Harris Beulah Hill Primary Inclusive Practice Forum Dates 2025-26 Wednesdays: 9.00AM - 12.00PM Deadline for Submission of Cases 5pm Meeting Dates Venue 29/04/2026 06/05/2026 Bernard Weatherill House (Room 1.21) 22/05/2026 03/06/2026 Bernard Weatherill House (TBC) 24/06/2026 01/07/2026 Bernard Weatherill House (TBC) School and College Safeguarding: Government and DfE Guidelines Resources Keeping Children Safe in Education Information Sharing CSCP Safeguarding Theme: Information Sharing Croydon Model - Safeguarding Policy Prevent duty guidance: for England and Wales (accessible) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) FGM Mandatory Reporting - Procedural Information Searching Screening Confiscation Guidance When to call Police - Guidance for Schools and Colleges Section 11 Safeguarding Audit Reports The Croydon Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP) is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children across the borough. The following reports, produced by the Croydon Education Safeguarding Team, provide a comprehensive overview of findings from the annual school safeguarding self-assessment audit. These reports highlight key trends, strengths, and areas for development identified across Croydon schools. By sharing these insights, we aim to support continuous improvement and promote best practice in safeguarding within education settings. Download/View: Safeguarding Audit Report 2024 Online Safety Guidance Pack The Online Safety Local Authority Guidance supports schools and colleges to ensure student safety. It aligns with key statutory guidelines, including 'Working Together to Safeguard Children', 'Keeping Children Safe in Education', and the 'Online Safety Bill 2023'. This resource is crucial for meeting the welfare needs of students in the digital age Download/View: Croydon Online Safety Guidance Supporting LGBTQ+ Students in Schools and Colleges This guidance aims to support and educate against harmful views towards our LGBTQ+ students and their families, ensuring schools and colleges fulfil their duty of care as outlined in the Children’s Act 1989 . Download/View: Supporting LGBTQ+ Students in Schools and Colleges

Explore the Croydon Safeguarding Children Partnership newsletter archive for updates, training opportunities, and insights into safeguarding initiatives supporting children and families in Croydon. Newsletter Library Stay connected and informed with our archived newsletters, where you can access key updates on the latest safeguarding news from the CSCP. These newsletters are a valuable resource to help stay abreast of important developments and insights. We encourage you to explore the archives and keep your knowledge current. Your engagement is essential in fostering a safe community. 2026 Click on the date below to view the newsletter for the respective month. January 2026 February 2026 March 2026 April 2026 2025 April 2025 May 2025 June 2025

How to report safeguarding concerns about a child in Croydon, including emergency contacts and referral forms. About Who are CSCP Multi-agency Safeguarding Arrangement Annual Reports FOI Requests Contact us Review Hub Learning & Reviews The SPR Process CSCP Safeguarding Practice Reviews 7-minute briefings National Learning Child Death Reviews Safeguarding Themes Information sharing Seeing the whole child Serious Youth Violence The Multi-Agency and Domestic Abuse Understanding adolescent suicide Guidance & Policy Guidance for Professionals Report a concern about a child Escalation and Resolution Policy The LADO Information Sharing Protocol Neglect Strategy Thresholds & Referrals Policies Toolkits for Practitioners Toolkit for Schools and Colleges Training Safeguarding Children Training Post-Training Resource Hub Become a GCP2 licenced practitioner Training levels Terms & Conditions News Safeguarding News Newsletter Library Join our mailing list Search Members only IMMEDIATE DANGER? If a child is at immediate risk of harm, call the police on 999 right now. Report a Concern about a Child If you are worried that a child or young person in Croydon is being neglected or harmed, please use the options below to find the right support. Public Guidance For Professionals Am I reporting the right thing? A concern should relate to a child who is suffering harm, neglect, or abuse, or a child under significant stress due to family situations. Anonymous Reporting You can make a referral anonymously if you are concerned that calling us could put you in a difficult position. Croydon Family Hub Unless it's an urgent safeguarding concern, your initial point of contact for support should be the Croydon Family Hub . Early Help Directory Before making a referral, check if there are community services that can provide support to the child, young person and/or their family Browse Local Support Directory > Outside of Croydon If you are concerned about a child living outside of Croydon, please contact the Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) for that area or the NSPCC for advice and support. Guidance on Recording the Level of Concern Ensure that your assessment of the level of concern is clearly evidenced and proportionate to the London Child Protection Procedures (LCPP) . You can also access the Threshold Guidance in this section. The guidance should be used to support your decision making and to determine the level of intervention that is most appropriate for the child. Referral Toolkit Access the full Referral Toolkit below: Download Referral Toolkit Croydon Family Hub Unless it's an urgent safeguarding concern, your initial point of contact for support should be the Croydon Family Hub . Early Help Directory Before making a referral, check if there are community services that can provide support to the child, young person and/or their family Browse Local Support Directory > Outside of Croydon If you are concerned about a child living outside of Croydon, please contact the Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) for that area or the NSPCC for advice and support Urgent Safeguarding For concerns that require a same-day response (Mon-Fri, 9am - 5pm) 0208 255 2888 MASH CONSULTATION LINE Call MASH Now Safeguarding Lead Referrals The standard path for professionals. actioned within one working day. Requirement You must review the Thresholds before submission to ensure your referral meets the criteria for statutory intervention. Start a Referral ↗️ Evenings & Weekends Concerns that cannot wait until the next working day 0208 726 6400 Press OPTION 5 Contact Duty Team IMPORTANT NOTICE IMPORTANT NOTICE PLEASE DO NOT SEND REFERRALS VIA EMAIL All referrals and information requests must be submitted through the MASH portal. Emails to the MASH inbox will not be responded to. Allocated Social Workers: Contact them directly to leave messages. MASH cannot forward these emails. Professional Enquiries : If checking for an allocated worker, contact your Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). Still waiting? If you need to identify a child's worker, email: intakebusinesssupport@croydon.gov.uk

Guidance for professionals on making safeguarding referrals to Croydon MASH and understanding the London Continuum of Need, ensuring referrals are consistent, evidence based and aligned to the correct threshold. Thresholds and Referrals If you work with children, young people, or families in Croydon, it’s important to know how and when to make a referral when concerns arise. What is a Threshold Thresholds help professionals decide what level of support or intervention a child or family may need. They ensure concerns are assessed consistently across agencies by setting out the different levels of need, harm, and risk, and helping practitioners determine whether Early Help, targeted intervention, or statutory social care involvement is appropriate. Understanding thresholds is essential before making a referral to the Croydon Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). A referral is made when a professional shares concerns about a child’s welfare or safety that may meet the threshold for statutory assessment. Referrals may be based on: Observed harm or risk of harm Concerns about neglect, abuse, or unmet needs Escalation from Early Help or support services The MASH brings together professionals from social care, police, health, education, and other services to share information, assess risk, and make timely decisions. Applying thresholds correctly helps ensure children receive the right help at the right time. Understanding Thresholds of Need Before making a referral, it is important to understand the level of need or risk. Across London, professionals use a shared framework called the Continuum of Need, which helps determine the most appropriate support for each child and family. Practitioners in Croydon should refer to the London Safeguarding Continuum of Need Matrix to identify the correct threshold before submitting a referral. This ensures that decisions are consistent, evidence based and aligned to the level of need identified. Using the matrix supports effective professional judgement and strengthens the quality of information shared with the MASH. View the Threshold Continuum of Need Matrix ↗ Thresholds Continuum of Need Matrix Title Description Example Level 1 - Universal Needs met by universal services such as schools, GPs, and Family Hubs. Child is healthy, attending school regularly, supported by parents. Level 2 - Early Help Emerging worries that can be addressed with targeted support. Family experiencing difficulties with housing or parenting. Level 3 - Child in Need Complex or multiple needs requiring a statutory Children’s Social Care assessment (Section 17, Children Act 1989). Ongoing neglect concerns, or a child needing coordinated multi-agency support. Level 4 - Child Protection Acute risk of significant harm requiring urgent intervention (Section 47, Children Act 1989). Child experiencing physical or sexual abuse, or severe neglect. Making Effective Referrals in Croydon Your first point of call for understanding thresholds and making a referral Effective safeguarding relies on professionals and community organisations recognising concerns early, understanding levels of need, and knowing how to act. To support this, the CSCP has developed the Referral Guidance Toolkit, a practical resource designed to help you navigate the referral process with confidence. This toolkit should be your first point of call when you are considering making a referral to the MASH. It brings together essential information on thresholds of need, signs of harm, professional curiosity, and the key components of a high-quality referral. Whether you work in health, education, early years, youth services, the voluntary sector, faith communities, or any other organisation supporting children and families, this toolkit offers clear, accessible guidance tailored for Croydon’s multi-agency workforce. What the toolkit will help you do Understand and apply the London Child Protection Procedures Thresholds of Need within a Croydon context. Identify when a concern requires Early Help, targeted support, or statutory social care involvement. Know what information MASH needs to make safe, timely decisions. Strengthen your professional judgment and avoid over-reliance on copying threshold descriptors. Record concerns clearly, factually, and proportionately. Improve the quality and consistency of referrals across all agencies, large and small. Why this toolkit matters High-quality referrals directly impact the timeliness and effectiveness of safeguarding responses. Clear, well-evidenced information enables MASH to apply thresholds correctly, assess risk, and allocate the right support. For smaller organisations who may not hold detailed records, the toolkit provides practical tips on what to include, how to gather essential information, and how to articulate concerns in a way that supports safe decision-making. Download the Referral Guidance Toolkit (PPTX) (click on image to enlarge) What’s included The CSCP Referral Guidance Toolkit is provided as an easy-to-use resource available as a PowerPoint or PDF, designed for personal reference, staff training, and supervision discussions. It can be used flexibly within teams to build confidence, support reflective practice, and ensure consistent application of thresholds across all agencies. The toolkit contains: A clear explanation of thresholds and how they apply Guidance on recognising concerns and applying professional curiosity Step-by-step instructions for making a MASH referral What to do if you do not have complete information Examples of poor and high-quality referrals A simple decision-making flowchart Guidance for smaller organisations, youth settings, and community groups Key contacts, follow-up expectations, and good recording practice A glossary of services and teams Links to additional resources, including threshold guidance and professional curiosity training Who should use it This toolkit is designed for: Practitioners making referrals as part of their role New starters completing safeguarding induction Organisations wanting to strengthen internal safeguarding procedures Any professional working with or supporting children, young people, or families in Croydon

View CSCP annual reports to learn about our safeguarding progress, performance, and priorities in protecting children and young people in Croydon. Annual Reports আমি একটা অনুচ্ছেদ। এখানে ক্লিক করে নিজের লেখা যোগ করুন এবং আমাকে এডিট করুন। এটা সহজ। শুধু "Edit Text" এ ক্লিক করুন অথবা আপনার নিজস্ব কন্টেন্ট যোগ করতে এবং ফন্টে পরিবর্তন করতে আমাকে ডাবল ক্লিক করুন। আপনার পৃষ্ঠায় যেকোনো জায়গায় আমাকে টেনে আনতে দ্বিধা করবেন না। আমি আপনার জন্য একটি দুর্দান্ত জায়গা যেখানে আপনি গল্প বলতে পারেন এবং আপনার ব্যবহারকারীদের আপনার সম্পর্কে আরও কিছু জানাতে পারেন। 2024/25 CSCP Annual Report View / Download 2024/25 SW London CDOP Annual Report View / Download 2024/25 Private Fostering Annual Report View / Download 2023/24 CSCP Annual Report View / Download 2023/24 CDOP Annual Report View / Download 2023/24 LADO Annual Report View / Download

Croydon Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP) promotes child safety through multi-agency collaboration, training, and safeguarding resources to protect children from harm and improve safeguarding practices across Croydon. সুরক্ষা সকলের। আপনি কি শিশুর নিরাপত্তা নিয়ে চিন্তিত? সাম্প্রতিক খবর বহু-সংস্থার সহযোগিতার মাধ্যমে, আমরা সম্মুখ সারির অনুশীলন উন্নত করার জন্য প্রশিক্ষণ কর্মসূচি, সুরক্ষা নীতি এবং সচেতনতা প্রচারণা তৈরি করি। আরও বিস্তারিত! আমাদের লক্ষ্য ক্রয়ডন সেফগার্ডিং চিলড্রেন পার্টনারশিপ (CSCP) শিশুদের সুরক্ষার জন্য প্রতিশ্রুতিবদ্ধ যাতে প্রতিটি শিশু নিরাপদ, সমর্থিত এবং ক্ষতিমুক্তভাবে বেড়ে ওঠে। আরও বিস্তারিত! অংশ নিন আমি একটি অনুচ্ছেদ। আপনার নিজস্ব লেখা যোগ করতে এবং আমাকে সম্পাদনা করতে এখানে ক্লিক করুন। এটা সহজ। আপনার নিজস্ব বিষয়বস্তু যোগ করতে এবং ফন্টে পরিবর্তন করতে কেবল "টেক্সট সম্পাদনা করুন" এ ক্লিক করুন অথবা আমাকে ডাবল ক্লিক করুন। আরও বিস্তারিত! সাম্প্রতিক খবর আমি একটি অনুচ্ছেদ। আপনার নিজস্ব লেখা যোগ করতে এবং আমাকে সম্পাদনা করতে এখানে ক্লিক করুন। এটা সহজ। আপনার নিজস্ব বিষয়বস্তু যোগ করতে এবং ফন্টে পরিবর্তন করতে কেবল "টেক্সট সম্পাদনা করুন" এ ক্লিক করুন অথবা আমাকে ডাবল ক্লিক করুন। আরও বিস্তারিত! Latest News Family First Partnership Update New Programme Guide Published Read more Updated Safeguarding Procedures Revised practice guidance published by London Safeguarding Children Partnership Read more Croydon’s new approach to tackle health inequalities and improve lives Croydon’s Director of Public Health is calling for coordinated action to tackle health inequalities Read more আমাদের অংশীদাররা

Find information on how to submit a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the CSCP and access previously published data and responses. FOI Requests The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) provides the public with a general right of access to information held by public bodies, such as local government, the police, the NHS, and state schools. The Croydon Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP) is a statutory partnership established under the Children Act 2004 and is not a public authority for the FOI. It is therefore exempt from the duty to provide information under the FOI. Section 3 of the FOI provides that: (2) For this Act, information is held by a public authority if— (a) it is held by the authority, otherwise than on behalf of another person, or (b) another person holds it on behalf of the authority. A FOI request may be made directly to partner agencies of the CSCP. Where a CSCP partner which is deemed to be a public authority under the FOI holds information for its own purposes, then it does so otherwise than on behalf of another person and the information held will be subject to the FOI. However, partners in possession of CSCP minutes, documents, reports etc. are holding this information on behalf of ‘another person’ (the CSCP) and it is therefore not liable to disclosure under a FOI request. Details of how to access information from a public body can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at https://ico.org.uk/your-data-matters/officialinformation

Access quick, easy-to-read 7-minute briefings on key safeguarding topics. Ideal for busy practitioners needing bite-sized learning and updates. 7-Minute Briefings আমি একটা অনুচ্ছেদ। এখানে ক্লিক করে নিজের লেখা যোগ করুন এবং আমাকে এডিট করুন। এটা সহজ। শুধু "Edit Text" এ ক্লিক করুন অথবা আপনার নিজস্ব কন্টেন্ট যোগ করতে এবং ফন্টে পরিবর্তন করতে আমাকে ডাবল ক্লিক করুন। আপনার পৃষ্ঠায় যেকোনো জায়গায় আমাকে টেনে আনতে দ্বিধা করবেন না। আমি আপনার জন্য একটি দুর্দান্ত জায়গা যেখানে আপনি গল্প বলতে পারেন এবং আপনার ব্যবহারকারীদের আপনার সম্পর্কে আরও কিছু জানাতে পারেন। Case of Concern: Camille Camille’s case reveals major gaps in urgent placements, communication, and legal processes, after unsuitable emergency housing led to police involvement and hospital admissions. ১১ ডিসেম্বর, ২০২৫ Published: Read review National Review: John Smyth QC The CSCP Independent Scrutineer reviewed the Church of England's safeguarding practices to ensure robust protection for vulnerable individuals. ৮ এপ্রিল, ২০২৫ Published: Read review National Referral Mechanism The document provides information on the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) in the UK for identifying and supporting victims of modern slavery. ২১ নভেম্বর, ২০২৪ Published: Read review LCSPR: Serious Youth Violence This briefing summarises the thematic review which examined the cases of seven children/young people who were involved in the killings of three other children in 2021. The review highlights the voices of the affected families, practitioners, and community members. ২৬ জানুয়ারি, ২০২৪ Published: Read review Information Sharing Guidance for practitioners and organisations in understanding how to share personal information lawfully and appropriately, ensuring compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR. ২৪ আগস্ট, ২০২৩ Published: Read review LCSPR: Carl & Max This briefing examines the tragic case of 16-year-old Carl, who was fatally stabbed, and highlights issues such as homelessness, neglect, and a disrupted education. ২৫ ফেব্রুয়ারি, ২০২২ Published: Read review LCSPR: Vulnerable Adolescents In the summer of 2017, three Croydon teenage boys known to social services lost their lives. The CSCP agreed to conduct a thematic review that would determine whether there were any patterns in the children’s experiences. ১৪ ফেব্রুয়ারি, ২০১৯ Published: Read review Case of Concern: Christine This briefing draws on learning from an Appreciative Inquiry review into the experiences of “Christine”, a young person who became vulnerable following her primary carer’s imprisonment at the age of 14. ১৭ অক্টোবর, ২০২৫ Published: Read review Case of Concern: Carlos Our latest briefing outlines the case of a 15-year-old young person with a complex history, highlighting the importance of learning from timely, coordinated safeguarding responses. ৭ এপ্রিল, ২০২৫ Published: Read review Right Care, Right Person This briefing serves as a resource for safeguarding partners, local authorities, and police officers involved in Right Care Right Person for children. ১৯ জুলাই, ২০২৪ Published: Read review LCSPR: Chloe 'Chloe,' a 17-year-old who experienced early trauma and entered statutory care in her early teens, tragically lost her life. The inquest concluded her death was an accident, finding no clear intent to take her own life. ২০ অক্টোবর, ২০২৩ Published: Read review LCSPR: Jake The review of 17-year-old Jake’s case highlights challenges, including late entry to care, placement instability, and mental health concerns. Emphasising the need for earlier support and better responses to dual diagnosis. ২১ জুলাই, ২০২৩ Published: Read review LCSPR: Ben This review highlights lessons in engaging vulnerable young parents, mainly when domestic abuse is a concern. The missed opportunities to support the mother and her child, Ben, led to tragic outcomes. ২১ জানুয়ারি, ২০২২ Published: Read review Leadership, Trust & Accountability This briefing is intended for trustees, board members, senior leaders, and individuals in positions of trust. It also supports those who may have concerns about the behaviour or suitability of individuals in trusted roles. ৯ মে, ২০২৫ Published: Read review Case of Concern: Cassie This briefing reflects on a case about a child who experienced multiple incidents requiring intervention and highlighting the need for improved agency coordination. ২০ ডিসেম্বর, ২০২৪ Published: Read review LCSPR: Baby Eva Baby Eva, four months old, was hospitalised with a fracture; scans revealed multiple injuries of different ages. The review stresses the need for proactive risk assessment before and after birth. ৭ এপ্রিল, ২০২৪ Published: Read review Rapid Review: Intra-Familial CSA This briefing summarises key findings from a rapid review into a case of intra-familial child sexual abuse, highlighting areas for professional reflection and opportunities to strengthen safeguarding responses. ২৪ আগস্ট, ২০২৩ Published: Read review Unexplained Deaths (under 1s) This briefing explores recommendations from case reviews, emphasising the need for robust safeguarding practices and multi-agency collaboration to prevent future tragedies. ২১ জুলাই, ২০২২ Published: Read review LCSPR: Emily & Jack Following a tragic incident where a three-month-old baby girl, referred to as 'Emily', was killed by her mother, a serious case review was conducted and identified the need for improvements in local agency information sharing. ২১ জুন, ২০২০ Published: Read review

Learn from safeguarding case reviews where young people died by suicide. Explore risk factors, warning signs, and prevention strategies to protect vulnerable adolescents. Seeing the Whole Child: Learning from practice The CSCP has drawn critical learning from a series of Case of Concern reviews, an innovative process developed to examine complex cases that fall below the statutory review threshold but still offer significant opportunities for system-wide improvement. The cases of Cassie, Carlos, and Camille reveal key learning about the importance of centering the child’s voice, applying professional curiosity, and strengthening multi-agency coordination. This thematic study highlights cross-cutting issues and promotes reflective supervision, encouraging practitioners to embed these insights into everyday safeguarding practice. Each case offers a distinct lens into the risks and responsibilities of multi-agency work. Together, they form a critical thematic learning opportunity. Cross-Cutting Reflections: Strengthening Systems by Centring the Child A review of the Cassie, Carlos, and Camille cases identifies consistent patterns that expose systemic vulnerabilities. These are not isolated failings but indicators of broader practice challenges requiring collective ownership and deliberate change. 1. Centring the Child’s Voice Is Not Optional Across all cases, the child's perspective was either diminished, misinterpreted, or deprioritised in favour of procedural, legal, or operational constraints. A child-centred approach must go beyond statutory compliance, it requires: Actively seeking the child's voice, especially during transitions or crisis points Understanding behaviour as communication, particularly where verbal expression is limited or trust is fractured Embedding mechanisms for children to participate in planning decisions, and not just be recipients of them 2. Professional Curiosity Requires Depth, Not Just Compliance Curiosity is not simply asking more questions, it is about asking the right questions and being open to answers that challenge professional assumptions. These cases demonstrate that: Risk is often hidden behind procedural conformity; a plan being in place does not mean it is effective Biases—such as adultification and criminalisation, undermine safeguarding by reframing vulnerability as culpability Curiosity must extend to peers and other professionals, checking assumptions across the network, not just within individual assessments 3. Escalation and Decision-Making Must Be Process-Led, Not Person-Dependent Inconsistent escalation routes, reliance on informal relationships, and lack of clarity in roles contributed to drift and risk exposure in each case. Improvements are needed in: Clarifying escalation protocols and thresholds across agencies, particularly for non-statutory but high-risk cases Ensuring decision-making processes are transparent, auditable, and collaborative Using formal structures (e.g. case of concern process, strategy meetings) to generate system-wide solutions, not just single-agency actions 4. Placement Sufficiency and Suitability Must Be Understood as a Safeguarding Issue The shortage of regulated placements and delays in mental health access are not logistical issues alone, they are safeguarding concerns that have direct consequences for children's safety and wellbeing. Professionals must: Continue to escalate placement barriers through appropriate strategic channels Advocate persistently for placements that meet therapeutic and relational needs, not just beds that are available Monitor the impact of unsuitable arrangements as active risk, not just as temporary compromises Cassie: System Drift, Missed Protocols and Emotional Safety Cassie, a vulnerable child with mental health needs, remained in A&E for over two weeks due to the absence of a coordinated discharge and placement plan. Despite the existence of inter-agency protocols, their inconsistent application delayed care and led to further harm when Cassie later self-harmed and required secure accommodation. Learning Themes: Child’s voice was secondary to systems-focused discussions around process, placement, and risk ownership Failure to escalate proportionately, with decisions relying on relationships rather than structured processes Mental health interventions were not prioritised early enough, delaying access to essential care Why Read the Full Briefing: Cassie’s case underscores the importance of professional vigilance in managing escalation, monitoring care pathways, and ensuring the child’s emotional safety is never sidelined by procedural complexity. Cassie: 7 minute briefing Carlos: Discharge Failures and Dual Victimhood Carlos sustained injuries after being attacked by a group of young people, but was discharged from hospital into police custody shortly after surgery. His mother was not informed, and he was interviewed under general anaesthetic recovery, with a scheme-allocated adult instead of a family member. Learning Themes: Unconscious bias: Carlos’s identity as a child was overshadowed by his perceived criminality Lack of joined-up communication meant agreed safety plans were not followed Insufficient safeguarding lens during critical transition points such as discharge and police procedures Why Read the Full Briefing: Carlos’s case demonstrates how safeguarding can fail when children are viewed through a deficit lens, and how professional curiosity is needed to challenge assumptions and see the whole child. Carlos: 7 minute briefing Camille: Placement Breakdown, Crisis Response and Unseen Harm Camille was placed in emergency accommodation due to an urgent lack of suitable placements. The environment failed to meet her complex needs, resulting in multiple police callouts and hospital admissions. The case prompted questions about national placement sufficiency and local agency coordination. Learning Themes: Her voice became lost amidst urgency and structural limitations Systemic strain on placements left professionals to make difficult compromises Reactive rather than trauma-informed response, escalating Camille’s vulnerabilities Camille’s case illustrates the importance of building resilient systems that prevent short-term placement decisions from compounding trauma. It also highlights the importance of listening to the child, even under crisis conditions. Further Resources and Tools Practitioners are encouraged to revisit: CSCP Escalation and Resolution Policy CSCP Multi-Agency Practice Guidance Reflective Supervision Prompts: Embedding Learning into Practice These prompts are designed to support reflective dialogue during supervision, team debriefs, and case audits. They move beyond task completion to explore the quality, intent, and impact of professional interventions Voice of the Child How have we ensured the child’s voice is represented in this case? What are we hearing from the child—not just through their words, but through their behaviour and circumstances? Have we made space for the child to contribute meaningfully to decisions affecting them? Professional Curiosity What assumptions are we making about this child, and where have they come from? Have we explored all alternative explanations for what we are seeing or being told? What do we know, what are we inferring, and what do we need to test or challenge? Decision-making and Escalation Are the decisions being made grounded in process and evidence, or shaped by informal dynamics? Have we escalated this concern through the right channels, at the right time? Do all partners understand and agree the plan—and is it being implemented with accountability? Placement and Planning Is this placement in the child’s best interests, or is it the only available option? How is the child experiencing this placement, and have we reviewed their safety, wellbeing, and sense of belonging? Are we advocating robustly enough when the system is not meeting the child’s needs? System-wide Practice What does this case tell us about wider practice issues in our service or partnership? Are there recurring themes from other cases that this situation reflects? How are we capturing learning and applying it to improve systemic responses, not just individual casework?

Information on managing allegations against professionals working with children, and how to contact Croydon’s LADO. Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) Managing allegations against adults who work with Children The LADO is responsible for managing allegations against adults who work with children. This includes overseeing investigations and working with multi-agencies including the Police and Children's Social Care to ensure fair and thorough processes are followed. The LADO provides a comprehensive and impartial process for all parties. The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) must be alerted when concerns arise regarding a professional or volunteer working with children has: Behaved in a way that has harmed or may have harmed a child. Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child. Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children. Behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children. If the allegation meets any of the above criteria, the employer or agency MUST report it to the LADO within one working day. The LADO Referral All documents relating to allegations against adults who work with children should be retained in a secure place and should only be shared with the express agreement of the LADO. Do ensure that urgent medical treatment is sought if required, and that the child is supported. Please record the information and facts given to you as soon as possible. Do not discuss or inform the member of staff concerned that this referral is being made unless advised to by the Local Authority Designated Officer. It is not your duty to investigate the allegation as this may lead to evidence being lost/contaminated or may even put the child, or others, at risk. The referral form is designed for professionals, families, and members of the public. Please state the allegation/safeguarding incident in the description section and the LADO will contact you if more is required. Download Croydon LADO referral form Croydon LADO Contact Details: Jane Rowe (Formerly Jane Parr) - Email: lado@croydon.gov.uk - Tel: 0208 726 6000 ext. 24817 Managing allegations Leadership, Trust & Accountability 7-Minute Briefing: Leadership, Trust, and Accountability This 7-minute briefing is a concise, yet powerful resource designed to reinforce the critical role of leadership, trust, and accountability in safeguarding vulnerable individuals—particularly children and young people. Why This Matters Safeguarding failures in trusted institutions—such as the Church of England’s mishandling of abuse allegations—highlight the catastrophic consequences of weak leadership and systemic neglect. This briefing distils key lessons from past failures and provides actionable steps to ensure your organisation upholds the highest standards of safeguarding. Download briefing

Access up-to-date safeguarding policies, statutory guidance, and local protocols to support professionals working with children and families in Croydon. Practitioner Guidance আমি একটা অনুচ্ছেদ। এখানে ক্লিক করে নিজের লেখা যোগ করুন এবং আমাকে এডিট করুন। এটা সহজ। শুধু "Edit Text" এ ক্লিক করুন অথবা আপনার নিজস্ব কন্টেন্ট যোগ করতে এবং ফন্টে পরিবর্তন করতে আমাকে ডাবল ক্লিক করুন। আপনার পৃষ্ঠায় যেকোনো জায়গায় আমাকে টেনে আনতে দ্বিধা করবেন না। আমি আপনার জন্য একটি দুর্দান্ত জায়গা যেখানে আপনি গল্প বলতে পারেন এবং আপনার ব্যবহারকারীদের আপনার সম্পর্কে আরও কিছু জানাতে পারেন। Local Authority Designated Officer This page provides information about the role of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) in Croydon. Find a Review Escalation and Resolution Process Find out how to resolve professional disagreements with our escalation process. Find a Review The Safeguarding Practice Review Process Learn more about the processes involved in a safeguarding practice review. Find a Review Education Toolkit The Education Toolkit provides links to resources and support specifically for local schools and colleges. Find a Review Neglect Strategy The Croydon Neglect Strategy serves as a practical guide for addressing child neglect. Find a Review What happen when a Child dies Child Death Reviews is the process for reviewing child deaths, including Joint Agency Response and Child Death Review Meeting. Find a Review Policies 📄 How to Download a Policy 1. Select a Tab: Choose the type of guidance you are looking for by clicking one of the following tabs - Partnership Guidance - National/Regional Guidance - Keeping Children Safe Online 2. Download the Policy: - On Desktop: Click the relevant row in the table to download the document - On Mobile: Please switch to the desktop version of the site to access download functionality. 💬 Need Help? If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us at: 📧 cscp@croydon.gov.uk Partnership Guidance National / Regional Guidance Keeping children safe online Guidance to support local practitioners and organisations. Document Last updated Escalation Form 2026 31/12/2025 Thresholds and Referrals 02/12/2025 Multi-agency Pre-birth Guidance 20/08/2025 Children's Social Care - Local Assessment Protocol 06/08/2025 Croydon Children's Services Procedure Manual 31/07/2025 Safeguarding supervision 06/06/2025 MASH Operating protocol 06/06/2025 Croydon 11-25 Exploitation strategy 06/06/2025 SWL Neglect Strategy 06/06/2025 Clare's Law 06/06/2025 Escalation and resolution policy 06/06/2025 Missing protocol 06/06/2025 MASH referrals 06/06/2025 Guidance to support local practitioners and organisations. Document Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025 Information Sharing FGM: Resource Pack London Child Safeguarding Procedures London Child Exploitation operating protocol Barnahus: Improving the response to child sexual abuse in England The NSPCC provide a range of online Safety Advice including: Guidance for parents on setting up parental controls, understanding risks, and supporting children if they’ve seen harmful content. Support Services: Provides contact information for advice and support from safeguarding experts. Resources for Children: Includes tools and resources for children and young people, such as Childline. Campaigns and Advocacy: Highlights efforts to change laws and make society safer for children, including the Online Safety Act Visit: Keeping children safe online | NSPCC The Online Safety Guidance for Croydon supports schools and colleges to ensure student safety. It aligns with key statutory guidelines, including 'Working Together to Safeguard Children', 'Keeping Children Safe in Education', and the 'Online Safety Bill 2023'. This resource is crucial for meeting the welfare needs of students in the digital age. View guide here

Croydon's multi-agency approach to identifying, preventing, and responding to child neglect, with key indicators and practice guidance. Croydon Neglect Strategy The Croydon Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP) is committed to protecting children and young people from neglect and ensuring they have the opportunity to thrive. Neglect is the most common form of child abuse in the UK, and its impact can be profound and long-lasting. Our strategy focuses on early identification, effective intervention, and collaborative working to safeguard children and support families. Southwest London (SWL) Neglect Strategy The SWL Neglect Strategy represents a collaborative effort across Croydon, Kingston and Richmond, Merton, and Wandsworth Safeguarding Children Partnerships to address child neglect. This strategy emphasises: A child-centred approach, ensuring the voice of the child is heard in all decisions. Early intervention and prevention, focusing on identifying risks and providing support before neglect escalates. Multi-agency collaboration, bringing together professionals from health, education, social care, and other sectors to safeguard children effectively. Download Neglect Strategy here In addition to the Neglect Strategy, we encourage practitioners to read the Safeguarding Practice Reviews related to neglect. These reviews offer valuable insights into recognising and responding to neglect, highlighting real-life learning to inform and improve multi-agency practice. To support this, we’ve developed a series of 7-Minute Briefings to accompany the full reviews—concise, accessible resources that highlight key learning points and offer practical guidance. Ben (2022)– 7-Minute Briefing | Read the full review This review examines the tragic death of a two-year-old boy, highlighting systemic challenges in identifying and addressing neglect in early childhood. Ben's mother, a young first-time parent with a history of adverse childhood experiences and low-level depression, struggled to engage with support services. Carl & Max (2022) – 7-Minute Briefing | Read the full review This review examines the tragic case of Carl, a 16-year-old who was fatally stabbed. The review highlights how chronic neglect—manifested through repeated homelessness, unstable housing, and prolonged absence from education—significantly impacted Carl's wellbeing and development. These materials are designed to help practitioners reflect on their own practice and drive better outcomes for children at risk of neglect. Child Wellbeing Tool The CSCP Child Wellbeing Tool is designed to support practitioners in assessing and addressing the needs of children and young people across Croydon. This tool aligns with the Southwest London (SWL) Neglect Strategy and provides a structured, evidence-based approach to identifying and responding to concerns about child neglect. The Child Wellbeing Tool focuses on four key areas of a child’s life: The tool is designed to complement existing frameworks, such as the Graded Care Profile 2 (GCP2), and should be used alongside it when neglect is suspected or identified. It supports practitioners in making consistent, child-centred decisions and provides clear guidance on next steps based on the level of need identified. What difference will the tool make? Improve Early Identification: Help practitioners identify concerns about neglect and other wellbeing issues at an early stage, enabling timely intervention. Standardise Assessments: Provide a consistent, evidence-based framework for assessing children’s needs across agencies. Enhance Collaboration: Support multi-agency working by providing a shared language and approach to safeguarding. Empower Practitioners: Offer clear guidance on next steps, ensuring children and families receive the right support at the right time. Focus on the Child’s Voice: Ensure the child’s experiences and needs are central to all assessments and interventions. The SWL Neglect Strategy and CSCP Child Wellbeing Tool is designed for all professionals working with children and families, including: Social workers Health visitors School staff (e.g., teachers, designated safeguarding leads) Early years practitioners Police and housing officers Voluntary and community sector workers It is particularly useful for practitioners who: Have concerns about a child’s wellbeing. Need to assess the level of support required for a child or family. Are involved in multi-agency safeguarding work. Next Steps If you have concerns about a child’s wellbeing or suspect neglect: If you are a not a licensed GCP2 practitioner, use the CSCP Child Wellbeing Tool to assess the child’s needs and determine the level of support required. If you are a licensed GCP2 practitioner, use the GCP2 Tool for a detailed assessment of care quality where neglect is suspected. Contact MASH Consultation Line for advice and support, call 0208 726 6000, Option 1. If a referral to Children's Social Care or Early Help is required, please complete a Multi-agency Referral Form For non-urgent support needs refer families to the Croydon Early Help directory for information of voluntary, community and faith organisations who can also offer support some advice. Access CSCP Reviews and briefings for additional guidance on specific aspects of neglect. Further Reading and Resources Strengthen Your Safeguarding Practice – Book Now The NSPCC Graded Care Profile 2 Watch this short video to hear directly from professionals about the impact of GCP2: Watch here Frequently Asked Questions NSPCC - GCP2 Background Become a licensed GCP2 Practitioner London Safeguarding Children Procedures - Neglect Click here to view guidance Neglect strategy Reviews CSCP Child Wellbeing tool Further reading and resources Download Tool CSCP Child Wellbeing Tool CSCP Child Wellbeing Tool - Part A.docx CSCP Child Wellbeing Tool - Part B.xlsx Become a GCP2 licensed practitioner Book the eLearning course