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SPRs are commissioned when a child dies or is seriously harmed, identifying ways to strengthen safeguarding. Explore local and national lessons to improve policy and practice. The Safeguarding Practice Review Process The Review Group Purpose & Accountability Local Safeguarding Children Practice Reviews (LSCPRs) are commissioned when a child dies or is seriously harmed, to identify how safeguarding practices can be strengthened. While the learning is rooted in local experience, it often has wider significance for professionals working with children and families, as well as for government and policy development. Understanding systemic issues—and identifying where practice or policy needs to adapt—is vital to creating a responsive, learning-led safeguarding system. This work is led by the Review Group, which reports to the CSCP Executive Group through quarterly updates and Review Summaries. Roles & Responsibilities The Review Group is tasked to: Identify serious child safeguarding incidents where a review would raise issues of importance in Croydon Commission an oversee reviews for those cases they consider it appropriate Ensure that action plans are drawn up in response to reviews, and that reviews are diligently followed to enhance processes and improve outcomes for children and young people. Each Review Group member is tasked to: Take responsibility for the timely completion of the Rapid Review Information Request/IMRs/other documents required by the review coordinator. The forms may be completed by a relevant professional from their organisation, but the Review Group member is responsible for making contact with that professional as well as the quality and standard of the report. Liaising with the professionals from their organisation, who had contact with the child or family subject to the review, to ensure feedback about the purpose and outcomes of any review. Liaising with relevant professionals within their organisation, to determine whether they should attend review panels or other meetings (agreement from the Chair of these meetings will need to be sought by the coordinator) Informing their organisation’s press office and ensuring any communication about publication of any review is shared with their organisation. Prepare for all meetings by reading papers in advance and, by sending papers or reports in accordance with deadlines set by the coordinators. Attend review meetings or ensure a proxy of similar seniority attends in their place. Follow up actions arising from meetings to be addressed between meetings and in accordance with deadlines set by coordinators. Be involved in safeguarding learning and practice improvement, Take responsibility to influence their own agency/service safeguarding learning approach and implementation To report on the sharing of/impact of learning in their organisation Membership & Quoracy Membership will be formed of representatives of the three statutory safeguarding partners plus representation from other relevant agencies as follows: Rotating Chair from CSC/Police/Health - Rotating Deputy Chair from CSC/Police/Health Independent Scrutineer CSCP Business Team - CSCP Project Officer - Administrator CAMHS / South London and Maudsley (SLAM) - Associate Director Safeguarding Lead Croydon Council: Children, Young People & Education - Head of Service Early Help & Children's Social Care - QA/Performance Improvement Manager - Youth Justice Service - Director of Education - Service Manager Early Years/PAIRS Croydon Health Services (CHS) - Named Nurse Croydon Integrated Care Board (ICB) - Designated Doctor Child Protection - Designated Nurse Safeguarding Children Croydon Council: Housing Safeguarding - Safeguarding lead (post currently vacant) Croydon Council: Public Health - Public Health Principle Metropolitan Police - Detective Inspector Quoracy is achieved by the attendance of: Croydon Children’s Social Care, Croydon Health (ICB), & the Police. Frequency & Standing Items Frequency - The Safeguarding Practice Review Group will meet six times a year / bi-monthly. Standing Items include: Summary of Reviews Partnership updates Confirmation of previous minutes & actions. The Meeting Schedule (circulated with papers) The Chair is rotated, agreed in advance as per the Meeting Schedule These terms of reference should be updated every 2 years. Introduction Roles & Responsibilities Review Oversight Review Oversight The Review Group has oversight of: Stage 3 and above Escalations Case of Concerns (CoC) Rapid Reviews (RR) Local Safeguarding Children Practice Reviews (LSCPR) The L&D Project Officer produces a bi-monthly report which summarises all reviews, the current progress as well as provides data to support greater understanding of the themes and features of safeguarding reviews. This oversight will influence the training offered by the CSCP. The Review Group will agree the methodology to be used for each review; this decision may be influenced by: Known areas of improvement needed, including where those improvements have been previously identified. Re-occurring themes in safeguarding and promotion of the welfare of children. Concerns regarding effectiveness of agencies working together and associated procedures. Concern about the actions of a single agency and relevant procedures. Where there has been no agency involvement, and this gives safeguarding partners cause for concern. Where more than one local authority, police area, or ICB is involved, particularly where families have moved around. Recommendations from the National Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel to undertake a review. The CSCP conduct statutory and non-statutory reviews depending on the severity of harm and the likelihood of eliciting new learning to support better practice and outcomes for children. CSCP Review Process Escalation Policy The Escalation Policy is designed to help professionals who encounter disagreements about a course of action. It provides a framework for managing necessary conversations and escalating unresolved issues. You can find the full policy here: CSCP Escalation and Resolution Policy The CSCP tracks all escalations that reach Stage 3 . Whether the matter is resolved at this stage or not, it is essential that a copy of the escalation is sent to CSCP@croydon.gov.uk. Escalation Policy Review Types This section sets out the structured process for managing a Case of Concern, detailing how agencies can initiate referrals using the designated form and outlining the subsequent escalation pathways. It also provides comprehensive guidance on the procedures for Serious Incident Notifications (SIN), Rapid Reviews (RRs), and Local Safeguarding Children Practice Reviews (LSCPRs), supporting professionals to navigate each stage of the child safeguarding review framework with confidence and clarity. Case of Concern (COC) A Case of Concern is identified when a case does not meet the threshold for a Significant Incident Notification (SIN) or a LSCPR but still presents valuable opportunities for multi-agency learning. These cases typically involve near-miss safeguarding incidents where serious practice issues are identified, though the matter is not considered time-critical. The Review Group will assess each COC and decide the most appropriate method for extracting learning—often through a short, focused review or discussion. How to submit a Case of Concern: Download the Case of Concern report form , any agency can complete the form and submit it via email to: CSCP@croydon.gov.uk Upon receipt, the form will be reviewed by the CSCP Business Manager, who may consult with partner agencies and the Independent Scrutineer. Based on the review, one of the following actions will be taken: Advice offered on how the matter should be addressed outside of the CSCP Review Process, or Scheduled for discussion at the next suitable subgroup meeting. If a case is accepted as a Case of Concern (CoC), the Review Group will determine the most appropriate methodology to capture learning. This may include a case file audit, multi-agency discussion, appreciative inquiry, or a targeted policy review. The group will also identify the relevant agencies to be involved in the process. Once findings and learning outcomes are established, they will be shared with the wider partnership. It then becomes the responsibility of the Editorial Group to translate these insights into practical training content and learning resources to inform and enhance professional practice. This process helps to ensure that even lower-threshold cases contribute to continuous learning and improvement across the safeguarding system. Serious Incident Notification (SIN) A SIN is a statutory duty on the local authority when certain criteria are met: 16C (1) of the Children Act 2004 (as amended by the Children and Social Work Act 2017) states: Where a local authority in England knows or suspects that a child has been abused or neglected, the local authority must notify the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel if: (a) the child dies or is seriously harmed in the local authority's area (b) while normally resident in the local authority's area, the child dies or is seriously harmed outside England The death of a Care leavers under the age of 25 must also be notified, this notification does not automatically trigger a Rapid Review and may require liaison with the Croydon Adult Safeguarding Board (CSAB). Though the responsibility to notify rests on the local authority, it is for all three safeguarding partners to agree which incidents should be notified in their local area. SINs should be notified to the National Panel within 5 days of the local authority becoming aware of the incident that led to the child death or serious harm. Rapid Review (RR) If a SIN is reported for a child under 18, there must be a Rapid Review within 15 working days. A SIN always results in Rapid Review. The purpose of the Rapid Review is to: a) gather the facts about the case, as far as they can be readily established b) discuss whether any immediate action is needed to ensure children’s safety and share any learning appropriately c) consider the potential for identifying improvements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children d) decide what steps they should take next, including whether to undertake a full LSCPR Even if the criteria for a SPR are met, commissioning one is not mandatory. The Rapid Review Process is coordinated by the CSCP Business Team. Professionals are expected to complete the required template within the specified timescales, attend the Rapid Review meeting, and ensure the learning is shared with their respective agencies. Local Safeguarding Children Practice Review (LSCPR) LSCPRs are about promoting and sharing information about improvements, both within the area and potentially beyond, so the safeguarding partners must publish the report, unless they consider it inappropriate to do so. The CSCP Business Team will co-ordinate the SPR process. Professionals will be required to complete relevant templates, attend panel meetings specific to the review and share the learning with their agencies. Find a LSCPR here Review Types Case of Concern Serious Incident Notification (SIN) Rapid Review Safeguarding Practice Review

Outlines the process for resolving professional disagreements in safeguarding cases, ensuring timely and effective multi-agency responses. Escalation and Resolution Policy In situations where agencies or professionals have differing opinions on safeguarding decisions or actions, the CSCP Escalation and Resolution Policy provides a structured process to follow, ensuring that any conflicts are addressed effectively and in the best interest of the child. The policy helps professionals navigate disputes, maintain strong working relationships, and ensure that safeguarding efforts remain coordinated and focused on child welfare. Purpose and scope of policy The purpose of this policy is to explain what to do when any professional has a concern or disagreement with another agency’s decision or action related to a child. It aims to keep the focus on the child’s safety and well-being by promoting a culture of professional challenge and providing the framework for timely and effective resolutions. Working Together 2023 states that 'clear escalation policies for staff to follow when their child safeguarding concerns are not being addressed within their organisation or by other agencies’ should be in place. Similarly, Keeping Children Safe in Education promotes that - ‘if, after a referral, the child’s situation does not appear to be improving, the referrer should consider following the local escalation procedures'. This policy therefore relates to the multi-agency children’s workforce working with children and families receiving support and services at Early Help, Child in Need, Child Protection, and Looked After Children. This policy should be read in conjunction with the London Child Protection Procedures, Part B1 Chapter 11 ‘Professional Conflict Resolution’. This policy does not replace the need for single-agency dispute resolution procedures which should be in place to manage disputes on decisions between internal services (such as Children’s Social Care CERPs). Nor is this policy a complaint policy – if there is a complaint about professional conduct or a particular single agency policy should be followed. If the complaint is about the decisions of the Croydon Safeguarding Children Partnership, it should be directed to the CSCP Executive Group who should alert the CSCP Independent Scrutineer. This Escalation and Resolution Policy promotes both an informal (Stages 1- 2) and formal (Stages 3 -5) approach to resolving issues that arise. This policy is reviewed biennially by the CSCP Quality Assurance Group. Definition Problem resolution is an integral part of joint working to safeguard children, and professional challenge is a fundamental part of professional responsibility. In this context, escalation and resolution is about raising concerns or challenging decisions about practice or actions which, according to those holding the concerns, may significantly impact the protection and well-being of the child(ren). Occasionally situations may arise when professionals within an agency consider that the decision made by professionals from another agency is not an adequate or a safe decision. Many professional challenges will be resolved on an informal basis by contact between the professionals and agencies involved. However, drift arising out of professionals’ differences should be avoided; unresolved concerns should be addressed using this policy. Disagreements and difficulties could arise in a number of areas, but are most likely to arise around: Deciding levels of safeguarding and protection needs Roles and responsibilities of agencies Quality and progression of plans at Early Help, Child in Need, Child Protection, or for Looked After Children Professional vocabulary and communication issues Understanding professional perspectives. In some instances, finding a way forward may not include changes to original decisions. However, through raising concerns and improving shared understanding through effective dialogue, the overall quality and robustness of the decisions will be greater. Policy principles The policy applies the following principles to help ensure that best practice is upheld, these should be applied to both informal (Stages 1-2) and formal (Stages 3-5) approaches to resolving disputes: The child's safety is the focus Critically reflective Restorative in approach Relationships and dialogue are valued Professional challenge and curiosity are valued The child’s safety is the focus Disputes should never leave a child at risk; disputes should be raised promptly and at the earliest opportunity. Maintaining an outcome focus on making the child safer, rather than focusing on processes - promotes openness between and amongst the professional networks. Critically reflective Where differences and disputes arise, or difficulties in complex and ‘stuck’ cases - it is important that critical reflective practice is upheld. Different professions and disciplines will hold particular theories of knowledge, practice, and opinions on what action is required. This policy supports convening a shared reflective and purposeful discussion to inquire and map professionals’ views, approaches, and interventions on the case. The CSCP supports the use of a multi-agency reflective group consultation, to help unpick the presenting challenges and difficulties to achieve improved coherence of the issues and agreement to a way forward. Restorative in approach Maintaining a principle of restorative approach helps create behaviours that are respectful of relationships, helping achieve effective and positive dialogue. An understanding of shared responsibility can be strengthened by ensuring everyone’s voice is heard and different positions understood; when all professional views and expertise are shared best outcomes for a child can be generated. Relationships and dialogue are valued Across and between the child and family’s network professional relationships must be established and maintained through effective dialogue, especially at points of transition and hand-over. Where differences, disputes, or difficulties arise - direct and active dialogue should be prioritised to enable shared perspectives, and exchange of information and ensure the inclusion of the professional network in making decisions. Professional curiosity and challenge are valued By maintaining an open stance to receive and provide information – the act of asking questions of other professionals and responding to questions can help avoid assumptions, reduce defensiveness, and encourage a move away from ‘knowing positions. At all stages, it should be considered that whilst decisions may not change, any challenge to those decisions will be of benefit to the quality and robustness of those decisions. Resolving disagreements in safeguarding - stages of escalation It should always be clear that no child is at immediate risk of harm while disputes are being resolved, with resolutions focused on the child’s needs. The agency with concerns should discuss them with their line manager or safeguarding lead. If concerns persist, proceed to Stage 1. Important reminders: Each stage should be completed within 7 working days or less, with all efforts made to resolve at the earliest opportunity Concerns should be specific, evidence-based and accurately recorded on the child’s record. Discussions and outcomes of disagreements should be recorded. A multi-agency group reflective consultation should be actively considered at Stage 3, this is for cases that are stuck, or matters are proving difficult to resolve The CSCP has the responsibility to identify practice and procedural issues, the Escalation Notification Form should be used and submitted at Stages 3, 4 and 5 as appropriate The principles of this policy underpin its application and should be considered when raising concerns These processes may not fit neatly into all agencies management structures; the principles and processes should be applied as best as possible. Purpose of policy Principles Resolving disagreements Escalation stages Recording and Reporting At all stages, a record should be kept on the child’s record within each agency’s case management systems. In particular, this must include written communication about agreed outcomes and how outstanding issues will be pursued. The CSCP will report on specific issues or recurring themes relating to practice and policy issues. This data will be collated from submitted Escalation Notification Forms and will be referred to the Quality Improvement Group for its recommendations on which aspects of practice or policy should be addressed. This data will also be used in the Annual Report. Whistleblowing Whistleblowing provides an avenue for professionals to raise concerns about unsafe practices, poor decision-making, or organisational misconduct that could impact a child’s safety or well-being. This policy encourages professionals to use established whistleblowing procedures when other escalation methods do not address the concern effectively. Professionals who feel unable to raise their concerns through the standard escalation routes outlined in this policy or who believe their concerns have not been addressed appropriately should refer to their organisation's whistleblowing policy. Concerns can also be raised with the CSCP Independent Scrutineer or other appropriate safeguarding leads. Clear records of whistleblowing disclosures, including their outcomes, should be maintained securely and separately from the child’s case files, ensuring confidentiality and protecting the whistleblower’s identity wherever possible. Recording and reporting Documentation Supporting Documents for Safeguarding Disputes These resources are designed to help professionals manage and resolve safeguarding concerns, always keeping the child’s welfare as the top priority. To download a document: On desktop: Click the relevant row. On mobile : You’ll need to switch to the desktop version of the site for full functionality. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us: cscp@croydon.gov.uk Document Description Escalation and resolution policy This policy outlines the procedures for resolving professional disagreements concerning safeguarding decisions or actions. It emphasises both informal and formal approaches to ensure timely and effective resolutions, focusing on the child's safety and well-being. Notification form A form to be used at Stages 3, 4, and 5 of the escalation process. It facilitates the documentation and communication of concerns that require formal resolution. Escalation stages (flowchart) A flowchart detailing the five stages of escalation, from initial discussions between frontline workers to escalation to the CSCP Executive. It serves as a visual guide to navigate the escalation process effectively. Case of Concern form This form should be used to report cases (or a series of cases) where a child has experienced a near-miss safeguarding event and where there are serious practice issues. The form supports multi-agency learning by identifying improvements that, if applied, could reduce the likelihood of similar future events. This form should not be used to escalate a case, to do this please use the Escalation Notification Form.

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Explore Croydon’s Local Safeguarding Children Practice Reviews (LSCPRs), analysing key cases to improve child and adult safeguarding. Learn from findings and recommendations. আমাদের টিম 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। Baby Eva This review examines the case of Baby Eva, a four-month-old who was found to have multiple fractures of different ages. It highlights missed opportunities to recognise risk factors within her family history and emphasises the importance of early and ongoing risk assessments before and after birth. Published ২৪ এপ্রিল, ২০২৪ Read review Jake This Child Safeguarding Practice Review (CSPR) looks into the tragic case of 'Jake', a 17-year-old child who took his life just before he turned 18. Examining his needs and the involvement of various services, it reflects on legal, policy, and research aspects, drawing from the expertise of multi-agency safeguarding professionals. Published ১৯ মে, ২০২৩ Read review Emily and 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 by the Croydon Safeguarding Children Board. The review identified the need for improvements in local agency information sharing. Published ২৩ অক্টোবর, ২০২০ Read review Serious Youth Violence The CSCP publishes a thematic review that sets out key principles to reduce the risk of children and young people becoming involved with serious youth violence. Additional resources are also available on our dedicated page. Published ৭ ফেব্রুয়ারী, ২০২৪ Read review Carl and Max This review examines the case of 'Carl', who was 16 when he was fatally stabbed. It revealed how he faced homelessness, unstable housing, and 2 years of no schooling. The family's forced moves disrupted support services, pushing Carl towards criminal activities and gang-related dangers. Published ২৫ মার্চ, ২০২২ Read review 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. The intention was to learn from the children’s experiences to inform future service provisions. Published ২২ ফেব্রুয়ারী, ২০১৯ Read review Chloe This review explores the life and tragic death of 'Chloe', a 17-year-old who died in a state of mental crisis. Although the inquest returned an ‘accident’ verdict, Chloe’s experiences highlight the long-term impact of trauma, abuse, and exploitation. The review reflects on her journey through care and the multi-agency support she received. Published ৩০ অক্টোবর, ২০২৩ Read review Ben This review highlights lessons in engaging vulnerable young parents, particularly when domestic abuse is a concern. The missed opportunities to support the mother and her child, 'Ben', led to tragic outcomes. The importance of a multi-agency child protection approach and identifying potential risks is also emphasised. Published ৪ মার্চ, ২০২২ 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?

Learn about the key findings from CSCP's Thematic review on Serious Youth Violence. Explore the K.I.D.S. V.O.I.C.E.S. principles that were developed to inform prevention strategies to protect young people. Serious Youth Violence Thematic Review Executive Summary This Child Safeguarding Practice Review (CSPR) has been written on behalf of children and young people, multi-agency services, practitioners, family members, and the community in Croydon. There was a desire to bring these voices to the fore - their voices have been reflected throughout this report. This CSPR has been a long review involving multiple strands which has included extensive information gathering and consultation. Throughout the process, multi-agency services have learnt from what has emerged and services have adapted and evolved in order to make a difference to children and families in real-time. The CSPR is focused on seven children/young people who were charged in association with the deaths of three children in 2021, these tragic deaths were not linked. The CSPR panel recognised the dynamic interplay between victim and perpetrator and therefore concluded that referring to these children/young people simply as a perpetrator would be misleading. During almost the entire period of multi-agency interventions all but one of the children/young people were under eighteen. The panel recognised that although it is common/preferred practice to refer to adolescents as ‘young people’ the term children/young people will be used throughout in recognition of the legal definition, and unique vulnerabilities, of a child. There has been active and committed involvement of multi-agency services and community representatives including over sixty front-line practitioners. On behalf of CSCP, the Independent Reviewer was privileged to meet with four parents and a child. These meetings were a humble reminder of the trauma and immense grief that follows from serious youth violence both from the perspectives of parents who lost their son and from the perspective of parents whose son was charged in association with the death of another child. All were open and frank about what is needed to change and were grateful for the opportunity to tell their story and be heard. Their perspectives have been included in this report. The 6 Key Lines of Enquiry (KLE) were agreed at the start of this CSPR. Review the support provided Identify where/why support ceased and any learning outcomes. Include the voice of the child, understand his daily life, and consider reasons why support may not have been accessed or effective. Review current community support provision, especially where it may be possible to empower parents of young people. Learn from the families (including the families of the children who died) Learn from the experiences of front-line practitioners in terms of what works well and what more may be needed locally and nationally to improve outcomes for young people affected by SYV. Further reading and resources Executive summary Thematic Review Serious Youth Violence: Full report. 7-minute briefing : A summary of the safeguarding concerns and the findings from the key lines of inquiry of this review. Recommendations : This extract illustrates some recommendations for improving the national and local strategies and resources for tackling this complex and systemic problem. 10 Key Principles - K.I.D.S. V.O.I.C.E.S . : This document aims to present the principles that guide the work of multi-agency and community services in preventing children from engaging in Serious Youth Violence. These principles should inform the design and delivery of existing and new interventions. Toolkit for Parents and caregivers : This toolkit has been developed as an outcome of this review, where an unprecedented need for support and guidance was highlighted by parents and caregivers.

Information on managing allegations against professionals working with children, and how to contact Croydon’s LADO. LADO: Local Authority Designated Officer 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

Guidance on safe and effective information sharing in safeguarding. Understand legal frameworks, consent, and best practices to protect vulnerable individuals. Information Sharing and Professional Curiosity Effective safeguarding relies on timely information sharing and a culture of professional curiosity. These principles are vital for identifying risks, protecting children, and ensuring coordinated multi-agency responses. The following findings have been drawn from a series of local safeguarding briefings that highlight the importance of professional curiosity, accurate information sharing, and clear multi-agency roles in keeping children safe. Cross-Cutting Themes Professional Curiosity: Safeguarding requires practitioners to question, explore, and remain alert to the child’s voice—especially in complex family environments. Information Sharing: Delays, gaps, or failure to share information contributed to missed opportunities across all reviewed cases. Clear Roles and Escalation: Clarity of roles, thresholds, and escalation routes are essential to prevent drift and diffusion of responsibility. Cumulative Harm: Professionals must be able to identify risks that build up over time, even when each incident in isolation seems low-level. Accuracy in Referral Information: Across the cases, referral forms often lacked key details, historical context, or an analysis of risk. This contributed to decisions being made on partial or overly optimistic views of the child’s situation. Accurate, detailed, and balanced information in referrals is essential for effective decision-making. Professionals should ensure that referrals reflect the full scope of concerns, including known history, existing support, and any professional disagreements. Learning from CSCP Reviews Effective safeguarding hinges on timely, accurate, and purposeful information sharing. The CSCP has drawn key learning from a series of local reviews and briefings to support improved professional practice. This includes findings from the cases of Carlos, Cassie, Emily & Jack, and the CSCP’s updated information sharing guidance. 1. The Importance of Professional Curiosity In both the Cassie and Emily & Jack cases, insufficient professional curiosity contributed to missed opportunities for early intervention. Practitioners must ask probing, respectful questions, remain open-minded, and seek to understand the child’s lived experience beyond what is initially presented. 2. Proactive and Timely Information Sharing In the Carlos case, delayed and partial sharing of concerns led to fragmented responses and missed early warning signs. Effective safeguarding relies on all professionals understanding when and how to share information—even when a full picture isn’t yet formed. 3. Importance of Multi-Agency Collaboration The reviews reinforced that no single agency holds the full picture. In Cassie’s case, vital indicators were held across different services and never triangulated. Regular multi-agency meetings and clear escalation protocols can help unify understanding and decision-making. 4. Accuracy in Capturing and Communicating Concerns The CSCP’s 2024 guidance highlights the need for precise, evidence-based documentation during referrals. Inaccurate or vague descriptions can downplay risk or hinder appropriate thresholds being met. Clearly articulating concerns—using specific language and examples—is essential for enabling the right safeguarding response. To learn more about these cases: find a review or download a briefing Good Practice in Action A police officer attending a domestic incident involving a teenager showed professional curiosity when noticing discrepancies in family members’ accounts. The officer checked internal records and found a pattern of low-level concerns previously reported by other agencies. Rather than closing the incident as isolated, the officer flagged it through a Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) referral. This led to a coordinated response, with joint visits by social care and police, ultimately uncovering coercive control and neglect. The officer’s initiative in questioning, documenting clearly, and seeking a multi-agency view ensured the child’s voice was heard and appropriate support was provided. Learning and Moving Forward Develop shared language and tools to improve consistency across referrals and assessments. Strengthen practitioner confidence in making referrals, especially in cases of cumulative harm or when evidence is unclear, but concerns persist. Embed reflective supervision and training focused on professional curiosity and information sharing. Promote a culture of challenge where practitioners are supported to question decisions respectfully and raise concerns when systems are not responsive. Reinforce accurate recording practices, ensuring every professional is accountable for the quality of their written communications. Further Resources 7-minute briefing: Information Sharing Department for Education guidance: Information sharing London multi-agency safeguarding data sharing agreement Multi-agency information protocol

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. Strengthen Your Safeguarding Practice – Book Now Further Reading and Resources 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 London Safeguarding Children Procedures - Neglect 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

Learn how the CSCP website collects, uses, and protects your personal information in accordance with data protection laws and best practice. শর্তাবলী As part of our commitment to protecting children and ensuring their safety, we utilise cookies on our website to enhance the user experience and improve our services. We will provide you with a comprehensive description of the types of cookies we use, including information about our AI chatbot, cookie management options, storage duration, and links to our privacy policy. Our website uses both session and persistent cookies. Session cookies are temporary and are deleted once you close your browser, while persistent cookies remain on your device for a specified period or until you manually delete them. These cookies are essential for the proper functioning of our website, including enabling you to navigate between pages efficiently and remembering your preferences. One of the features that make your experience on our website more interactive and personalised is our AI chatbot. This chatbot uses cookies to remember your previous interactions and provide you with relevant information in real-time. By using cookies, the AI chatbot can tailor its responses to better assist you with your queries and ensure a seamless user experience. The CSCP respect your privacy and understand the importance of giving you control over your cookie preferences. You have the option to manage your cookie settings through our cookie consent tool, allowing you to accept or decline specific categories of cookies. By adjusting your preferences, you can choose which types of cookies you want to enable and customize your browsing experience on our website. The storage duration of cookies on your device may vary depending on the type of cookie used. We ensure that our cookies are only stored for the necessary time required to fulfil their purposes and improve your interaction with our website. For more information on how we collect, use, and protect your personal data, please refer to our privacy policy below. If you have any further questions or concerns about cookies or our privacy practices, please do not hesitate to contact us. Your privacy and security are paramount to us at Croydon Safeguarding Children Partnership, and we are committed to providing a transparent and safe online environment for all our users. শর্তাবলী The Croydon Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP) collects and processes your personal data, (including special categories of personal data) in accordance with our obligations under the Data Protection Act 2018 and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The Croydon Safeguarding Children Partnership conducts regular Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) to ensure data processing on this website complies with UK GDPR and protects user privacy. We respect your right to privacy and are committed to maintaining it. We only collect information necessary to enable us to deliver our services and store and process your personal information in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (EU) 2016/679. The information we collect CSCP also collects information related to the delivery of projects, learning events, newsletter subscriptions and training. We will also collect information from you, if you complete any other forms on our site or if you contact us with comments or specific requests. This information may include: your name work address email address and/or telephone number job role service area or organisation line manager contact details (this only applicable if registering for training) We will only ask for information that will help us with auditing activities or to measure the impact of training. In most cases, this does not require the recording of personal information. Why we collect your information Your data is used for the purpose of: carrying out statutory auditing activities producing statistics and reports to research and plan training programmes assessing performance and set targets for service improvement monitoring and evaluating the quality of service we provide reviewing the impact of programmes delivered How we use your information The data you provide may be accessible to the suppliers of our event management and learning management systems. Anonymised data may also be shared with: statutory partners to analyse and evaluate the impact of our programmes external programme funders programme delivery partners We will not add your email address to any external mailing lists, and we will not disclose these details to third parties unless permitted or required by law. We will keep your email address on file internally and may contact you regarding your training account. You will only receive marketing emails relating to CSCP learning events and monthly newsletter if you specifically sign up for these notifications. Your emails to us may be forwarded to CSCP business team to action, unless your email specifically does not consent to this. Depending on how we are processing your personal data will determine the legal basis for processing. To perform a function or provide a service required by statute (Article 6(1)(e) GDPR) To comply with a legal obligation (Article 6(1)(c) GDPR) Where the processing is necessary for the performance of a contract (Article 1(b) GDPR) With your explicit consent (Articles 6(1)(a) and 9(2)(a) GDPR) Your rights are: to be informed; our privacy notice is one of the ways we try and let you know how data is handled to access your personal information (exceptions apply in certain circumstances) to update inaccurate data to restrict processing of any inaccurate data to object to certain processing such as direct marketing to data portability in cases where consent is given or processed by automated means to erase data if Croydon council no longer has a lawful basis or legitimate grounds for processing it to withdraw your consent when it has previously been given where required to complain about data handling How the CSCP protects data The CSCP takes the security of your data seriously, The CSCP has internal policies and controls in place to try to ensure that your data is not lost, accidentally destroyed, misused, or disclosed and is not accessed except by its employees in the performance of their duties. Croydon council is your data controller. If you want any further information, email, DPO@croydon.gov.uk or telephone 020 8726 6000 and ask to speak with the Data Protection Officer or view our corporate privacy statement .

SPRs are commissioned when a child dies or is seriously harmed, identifying ways to strengthen safeguarding. Explore local and national lessons to improve policy and practice. What happens when a child dies We understand that reporting the death of a child is an incredibly difficult and sensitive task. The following guidance aims to provide the important steps to help ensure the right support and learning can follow. If you are a professional needing to report a child’s death, please complete the eCDOP form using the link below, so that the appropriate agencies are notified and the necessary review processes can begin. Please remember, it is a statutory requirement to notify CDOP of all child deaths from birth up to their 18th birthday. If multiple agencies are involved, please liaise to agree which one will submit the notification. However, unless you know someone else has already done so, please notify CDOP with as much information as possible. Note: Only complete a notification form if you are registering a death for the first time. Complete eCDOP form here Once submitted, a coordinator will contact all professionals and agencies who were involved with the child or family. Those identified will be sent a reporting form to complete and return as soon as possible to support the review process. If abuse or neglect is suspected as a possible cause of death, the Child Death SPOC will inform the Head of Safeguarding for Children and Business Manager of CSCP who will then log a Serious Incident Notification . Child Death Reviews The Child Death Review process applies to all children, defined by the Children Act 1989 as individuals under 18 years of age. A review should be conducted for every child death, regardless of the cause. This includes the death of any live-born baby for whom a death certificate has been issued. Croydon is part of the Southwest London Child Death Overview Panel (SWL CDOP), which also includes the boroughs of Sutton, Merton, Wandsworth, Richmond, and Kingston. All child deaths of Croydon residents will be reviewed by Croydon / SWL CDOP. Prior to review at the SWL CDOP, there will have been a Joint Agency Response (JAR) meeting IF the JAR criteria are met. This must be held within 5 working days of a child’s death. The Joint Agency Response meeting is chaired by the Designated Doctor for Child Death Reviews. Joint Agency Response (JAR) criteria are set out in Working Together 2023 . A JAR is required if a child’s death: is or could be due to external causes is sudden and there is no immediately apparent cause (including sudden unexpected death in infancy/childhood) occurs in custody, or where the child was detained under the Mental Health Act occurs where the initial circumstances raise any suspicions that the death may not have been natural occurs in the case of a stillbirth where no healthcare professional was in attendance. All child deaths will be subject of a Child Death Review Meeting (CDRM). The CDRM is chaired by a Consultant Paediatrician from Croydon University Hospital. This is the multi-professional meeting that takes place prior to the child death review partners review (SWL CDOP). At the meeting, all matters relating to an individual child’s death are discussed by professionals involved with the case. Learning from cases will be published in an annual report this data is also shared with the National Child Mortality Database. eCDOP form child death review process What professionals need to complete Professionals who receive a reporting form are asked to review their agency’s case records for the child or family members. Any information known to them or their organisation should be included on the form. If certain details are not available, please make a note of this on the form, rather than leaving any sections blank. Supporting guides Please read the following useful guides to learn more: eCDOP B Report Form User Guide (PDF, 463KB) Child Death Reporting Form Flowchart (PDF, 107KB) when-a-child-dies-leaflet-NCMD.pdf For further detailed information about child death reviews read the child death review statutory and operational guidance. Croydon SPOC for Child Deaths contact details Email: CDOPCroydon@croydon.gov.uk Resources Southwest London CDOP Annual Report 2023-24 Samaritans Bereavement Support Lullaby Trust National Child Mortality Database (NCMD) Guidance cdop resources

Guidance and tools for schools and education professionals to promote safeguarding, early intervention, and safe learning environments. Education Toolkit 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. ✉️ 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 Search Results Toolkits Parent/Carer Toolkit Youth support map MASH Education The Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) is a partnership of key agencies that work together to share information, assess risk, and make coordinated decisions to safeguard children and vulnerable adults at the earliest opportunity. Need Advice or to Make a Referral? You can contact the MASH Professionals Consultation Line on: 020 8255 2888, Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm. For urgent concerns outside of these hours, please contact the Emergency Duty Team on 020 8726 6400. If you are making an urgent referral, please also call the number above to alert the social work team. If you're unable to get through, email MASHEducation@croydon.gov.uk and a team member will follow up. Additionally, the Threshold guidance will assist in referring to the correct service for support. Access the Pan-London Threshold Guidance here ↗️ 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 06/05/2025 12/05/2025 04/06/2025 09/06/2025 07/07/2025 14/07/2025 22/09/2025 29/09/2025 03/11/2025 10/11/2025 01/12/2025 08/12/2025 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 13/11/2025 18/11/2025 21/11/2025 Oasis Arena 04/12/2025 09/12/2025 12/12/2025 Orchard Park 08/01/2026 13/01/2026 23/01/2026 tbc 29/01/2026 03/02/2026 13/02/2026 tbc 26/02/2026 03/03/2026 13/03/2026 tbc 30/04/2026 05/05/2026 15/05/2026 tbc 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 24/10/2025 05/11/2025 Bernard Weatherill House 26/11/2025 03/12/2025 Bernard Weatherill House 19/12/2025 07/01/2026 Bernard Weatherill House 28/01/2026 04/02/2026 Bernard Weatherill House 25/02/2026 04/03/2026 Bernard Weatherill House 29/04/2026 06/05/2026 Bernard Weatherill House 22/05/2026 03/06/2026 Bernard Weatherill House 24/06/2026 01/07/2026 Bernard Weatherill House 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 Safeguarding Audit Report 2023 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