Discover the key safeguarding procedures UK for safe, lawful information sharing to protect children and enhance welfare efforts. Multi-agency information sharing duty New statutory duty from 30 September 2026 The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 amended the Children Act 2004 to introduce a statutory information sharing duty. Relevant safeguarding and welfare information must be shared where the statutory tests are met. Practitioners do not need to wait until a child reaches a statutory safeguarding threshold. This video provides a concise overview of the Information Sharing Duty, helping practitioners understand when, why, and how information should be shared to support effective safeguarding and promote better outcomes for children and families. Download briefing Effective information sharing is essential to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. It enables practitioners to build a fuller picture of a child’s circumstances, identify emerging needs, recognise cumulative or contextual risk and coordinate appropriate support. The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 introduced a new statutory information sharing duty through section 16LA of the Children Act 2004. The duty comes into force on 30 September 2026. The duty provides greater clarity about when relevant information must be shared between organisations involved in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. It applies not only where there is a risk of significant harm, but also where information may support early identification of need, prevention, assessment or support. There is no requirement for a child to meet a particular statutory threshold before relevant information can be shared. The new duty works alongside, and does not replace, existing safeguarding procedures, Working Together to Safeguard Children , Keeping Children Safe in Education and data protection legislation . Who does the duty apply to? The statutory duty applies to specified safeguarding organisations, including local authorities, Integrated Care Boards, NHS trusts, police, probation, youth justice services, designated education and childcare agencies, and organisations providing relevant safeguarding services on their behalf. Other organisations and practitioners may not themselves fall directly within section 16LA but should use the guidance as good safeguarding practice and continue to follow local safeguarding procedures. When must information be shared? Where an organisation covered by the duty: holds information about a child, or another person connected to that child; considers that information relevant to safeguarding or promoting the child's welfare; and considers that sharing it may help another relevant organisation assess need or risk, make a decision, provide support or take safeguarding action, the information must be shared , subject to the limited detriment exception described below. The duty also applies when relevant information is requested by another organisation covered by the legislation. This includes information relating to: emerging or unmet need early help and prevention abuse, neglect or exploitation contextual and extra-familial harm risks a child may pose to other children cumulative or historical concerns patterns of behaviour or incidents relevant information about parents, carers, siblings, peers or other adults connected to the child. Information should therefore not be considered in isolation. Information that appears limited within one organisation may become significant when combined with information held elsewhere. There is no safeguarding threshold for information sharing Practitioners do not need to wait until a child meets the threshold for statutory intervention or a section 47 enquiry. The new duty specifically addresses this misconception. Relevant information should be shared where it may help identify need, prevent concerns escalating, provide support or safeguard and promote the welfare of a child. Consent and working openly with families Consent is not normally required in order to share information under the statutory information sharing duty. However, this does not mean that families should routinely be excluded from information-sharing decisions. Practitioners should be open and transparent with children and families wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so, explaining what information is being shared and why. Lack of consent, parental objection, fear of complaint or practitioner uncertainty are not, by themselves, reasons to withhold relevant information where the statutory duty applies. Where informing a child or family could increase risk, prejudice safeguarding activity or otherwise be inappropriate, practitioners should use professional judgement and record the reasons for their decision. Data protection does not prevent appropriate safeguarding information sharing UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 continue to apply. Practitioners must ensure that information sharing is lawful, fair, relevant, accurate, proportionate and secure. However, data protection legislation should not normally prevent information being shared where it is necessary to safeguard or promote a child's welfare. A formal Data Sharing Agreement does not have to be in place before relevant information can be shared under the duty. The limited exception: detriment to the child There is a very limited exception to the duty. Information does not have to be shared where, through professional judgement, the practitioner determines that sharing the information would be more detrimental to the child than not sharing it. This should be rare. Examples may include circumstances where disclosure could: place the child at immediate risk of harm; seriously interfere with an ongoing police investigation in a way that would create greater risk to a child; or breach restrictions imposed by the Family Court or High Court. Practitioners should consider whether the risk can instead be reduced by limiting, sanitising or restricting the information shared. Where information is withheld on this basis, the decision and rationale should be clearly recorded and reviewed. A simple decision-making test Before sharing, practitioners should consider three questions: 1. Relevance Is the information relevant to safeguarding or promoting the child's welfare? 2. May it help? Could sharing the information help another relevant organisation assess need or risk, make a decision, provide support or take action? 3. Detriment Would sharing cause greater detriment to the child than not sharing it, and could any potential harm be mitigated? If the first two tests are met and the limited detriment exception does not apply, the information should be shared. Information about other people Relevant safeguarding information may relate to someone other than the child. This could include information about a parent, carer, sibling, peer, partner or another adult connected to the child's life. Where that information is relevant to understanding the child's safety or welfare and the statutory criteria are met, it must be shared appropriately. This is particularly important where different agencies hold separate pieces of information which, when brought together, reveal a pattern of vulnerability or risk. Recording decisions Practitioners should record: what information was shared; who it was shared with; why the information was considered relevant; how sharing could support safeguarding or promote the child's welfare; whether the child or family was informed; any decision not to inform them and the rationale; any decision to withhold information because sharing would cause greater detriment to the child; and any advice or management oversight obtained where appropriate. Professional judgement remains important, but uncertainty should not create delay. Practitioners should seek prompt advice from their safeguarding lead, manager, Data Protection Officer or Caldicott Guardian where necessary. Sharing across geographical boundaries Relevant information must not be lost because a child moves between local authority or organisational boundaries within England. Where the statutory criteria are met, organisations should share relevant information with the appropriate organisation in the child's new area. The absence of an established Data Sharing Agreement should not prevent this. Anti-discriminatory practice Information sharing should be informed by anti-racist, anti-discriminatory and culturally aware practice. Practitioners should remain alert to how assumptions, bias, stereotypes and language can influence the interpretation and recording of information. Information shared should be relevant and proportionate, with unnecessary stigmatising descriptions, identity labels or historical information avoided. Escalation and professional challenge If relevant safeguarding information is being withheld because of an incorrect interpretation of consent, confidentiality or data protection law, practitioners should challenge this through their organisation's safeguarding and management arrangements. Where disagreement cannot be resolved, practitioners should use the CSCP Escalatio n and Resolution Policy . Information sharing is part of safeguarding practice - not optional extra From 30 September 2026, organisations covered by section 16LA of the Children Act 2004 have a statutory duty to share relevant information where it may help another relevant organisation safeguard or promote the welfare of a child. There is no safeguarding threshold that must be reached before information can be shared. The duty includes early help, prevention, emerging need and welfare concerns. Do not wait to be asked. Organisations and practitioners should be proactive in identifying and sharing relevant information. Information about parents, carers, peers and other people connected to a child may also need to be shared where it is relevant to the child's safety or welfare. Consent is not normally required where information is being shared under the statutory duty, although practitioners should work openly with children and families wherever it is safe and appropriate. Data protection is not a reason to withhold relevant safeguarding information . Information must still be shared lawfully, securely, accurately and proportionately. Information should only be withheld in very limited circumstances where sharing would cause greater detriment to the child than not sharing it. When deciding what to share, ask: Is it relevant? Could it help? Would sharing cause greater detriment? Record what was shared, with whom and why, record the rationale for any decision not to share. If uncertainty is causing delay, seek advice and escalate rather than doing nothing.

Learn from safeguarding case reviews where young people died by suicide. Explore risk factors, warning signs, and prevention strategies to protect vulnerable adolescents. Understanding Adolescent Suicide Adolescent suicide is a deeply distressing issue, and safeguarding partnerships have a vital role to play in understanding and addressing the risk factors that lead to such tragedies. The CSCP has published two significant reviews; Chloe and Jake, that examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of two adolescents. These reviews aim to identify key learning and strengthen multi-agency responses to young people’s mental health, safety, and wellbeing. Shared Themes and Key Insights The importance of trauma-informed, coordinated care Children and young people who have experienced adversity require professionals to recognise and respond to the impact of trauma on their development, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing. Trauma-informed care involves understanding how trauma affects each child uniquely, ensuring responses are compassionate, consistent, and avoid re-traumatisation. A coordinated, multi-agency approach ensures that services are aligned, reducing fragmentation and supporting children through a network of safe, supportive relationships. Timely and sustained mental health support Access to mental health support must be prompt and maintained over time, particularly when young people are at heightened risk. Delays or short-term interventions can leave critical needs unmet. Services should work together to ensure that mental health provision is responsive, tailored to the individual, and includes robust follow-up and review, especially when children disengage or transition between services. Better transition planning for adolescents, especially those in or leaving care Transitions, such as moving from children’s to adult services or exiting the care system, are high-risk periods. Poorly managed transitions can lead to unmet needs, isolation, and vulnerability. Effective transition planning must begin early, involve the young person’s voice, and include clear pathways with named professionals responsible for continuity of support and safeguarding. The value of proactive engagement and listening to young people’s voices Young people must be seen, heard, and taken seriously. Proactive engagement means going beyond surface-level contact and building trust over time. Practitioners should seek out and respond to what young people are saying—directly or indirectly—about their needs and safety. Embedding their voices into assessment, planning, and service design not only improves outcomes but also respects their agency and right to be involved in decisions about their lives. These reviews provide important reflections for professionals in all sectors. The CSCP urges all agencies to read and reflect on these findings and to consider how their own practice might change to better identify, support, and respond to children experiencing distress. These examples highlight how professional curiosity, persistence, and trusted relationships can make a significant difference. Chloe: Trauma, Exploitation and Mental Health Chloe, aged 17, died by suicide while under a care order and living in semi-independent accommodation. Her life was shaped by significant trauma, early exposure to domestic violence, and risks of exploitation. Despite being in statutory care, Chloe experienced a mental health crisis that went unaddressed in time. Key learning points from Chloe’s review: Impact of Childhood Trauma : Early adverse experiences continued to affect Chloe's emotional and mental health throughout adolescence. Mental Health Crisis Support : Gaps in timely access to therapeutic care and crisis intervention contributed to her vulnerability. Care Experience and Transitions : Semi-independent settings need robust support to meet the needs of high-risk adolescents. Good Practice Responsive GP involvement : Chloe’s GP practice took timely steps to arrange mental health assessments and pursued referrals despite access delays. Early Help collaboration : Early Help teams made concerted efforts to share information and support Chloe and her family within the limits of service thresholds. Read full review 7 minute briefing Jake: Substance use, Isolation and Missed opportunities Jake, an articulate and intelligent young person, died by suicide shortly before his 18th birthday. His review shows a gradual decline in emotional wellbeing, marked by early behavioural issues, disengagement from school, increasing drug use, and limited support engagement. Key learning points from Jake’s review: Adolescent Entry into Care : Jake became looked-after during adolescence, which research shows is linked to poorer outcomes. Mental Health and Substance Use : Co-occurring issues compounded risk and complicated service engagement. COVID-19 Impact : Restrictions reduced opportunities for face-to-face contact, exacerbating Jake’s sense of isolation. Good Practice Proactive school engagement : Jake’s school demonstrated strong pastoral support, recognising behavioural changes and seeking to engage wider services. Trusted adult relationships : Some professionals worked to build rapport with Jake, reinforcing the value of relational, consistent support. Read full review 7 minute briefing Addendum Feature Resource: Understanding Adolescent Suicide Understanding adolescent suicide requires us to see the whole child. Explore key learning from safeguarding reviews and discover how you can strengthen practice and support earlier intervention. Take a few minutes to explore this essential learning resource and reflect on how you can help identify risk earlier and strengthen support for vulnerable young people. Download learning resource

Official learning hub Multi-Agency Audits - Access key findings from Domestic Abuse cases and relevant resources. Learning from Audits Theme: Domestic Abuse Children as Victims: A Cross-Croydon Insight Following two multi-agency audits, the following information aims to provide practitioners with key findings, practical guidance, and essential resources to better identify, support, and safeguard children affected by Domestic Abuse (DA). Key Learning Themes 1 Training & Workforce Development Inconsistency: Training depth varies significantly across the partnership, with gaps in understanding the impact on infant brain development. Domestic Abuse Act 2021: Limited practitioner awareness of the legal shift from "witness" to "victim" for children. Professional Curiosity : Need for more robust supervision that encourages staff to look beyond parental presentations. 2 Multi-Agency Collaboration Core Strengths: Positive collaboration evidenced in MARAC and MASH, showing strong risk-assessment cultures. Engagement Gaps: Housing involvement is often delayed, impacting the speed of safety planning and property security. Information Flow: Lack of systematic feedback loop means referring agencies often don't know the final outcome or safety plan. 3 Voice of the Child Captured Inconsistency: Older children's views are better documented, while under-7s and non-verbal children lack representation. Behaviour as Voice: Need to interpret changes in nursery/school attendance and behaviour as a form of "victim voice." Additional Needs: Children with SEND require more tailored, accessible tools to communicate their lived experience of DA. 4 Barriers & Emerging Risks Fear of Removal: Families consistently cite the fear of children being taken into care as the primary reason for non-disclosure. Economic Factors: Cost-of-living pressures are increasingly used as a tool for financial coercive control within families. Modern Risks: Rising trends in child-on-adult violence and tech-facilitated stalking/harassment require new safeguarding approaches. 5 Policy and Leadership Standalone Policies: Very few agencies have DA policies that place children at the centre rather than as a secondary concern. DA Champions: While roles exist, their visibility and influence in everyday decision-making vary across departments. Siloed Data: Inability to share real-time data on DA incidents hinders a truly preventative multi-agency response. How agencies can improve practice To address the audit findings, agencies must adopt a proactive, trauma-informed approach. The following suggestions are structured around the three pillars of improvement: Foundation, Action , and Impact , which outline key areas for local practice improvement. Pillar 1: Establish the Foundation (Workforce & Policy) Training: Ensure all staff receive mandatory, consistent training on DA, specifically focusing on the child as a victim under the DA Act 2021. Policy: Develop or update a standalone DA policy that explicitly safeguards children as victims, and ensure all staff are aware of their agency's DA champion/lead. Curiosity: Enhance clinical/case supervision frameworks to embed professional curiosity and challenge assumptions about parental and child behaviour. Pillar 2: Drive Collaborative Action (Information & Pathways) Pathways: Implement formal, clear protocols to ensure the timely and mandatory engagement of all essential partners, particularly Housing, in high-risk (MARAC/MASH) cases. Feedback: Prioritise receiving and providing explicit two-way feedback on referrals to ensure multi-agency decisions and actions are fully understood and enacted. Data: Improve local data collection to be consistent and unified, enabling a clearer view of the scale of DA and the outcomes for children. Pillar 3: Maximise Child Impact (Voice & Support) Voice of the Child Tools: Actively seek out and utilise specialist, non-verbal tools and creative methods to consistently capture the voices of the most vulnerable, including under-7s and children with additional needs. Reassurance: Proactively reassure families that engaging with support services does not automatically lead to child removal, addressing a key identified barrier. Risk : Stay alert to emerging risks such as online harm, coercive control, and harmful sexual behaviours. Further Resources Croydon Services Domestic abuse and sexual violence⭧ - General service information and support links. Croydon MARAC⭧ - Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference information. Family Justice Service⭧ - Access to legal and family support services. Domestic violence and homelessness⭧ - Information on housing support for victims. Become a community ambassador⭧ - Community awareness and training. Training CSCP Training: DA Course List⭧ - Mandatory Training. Learning from Case Reviews | NSPCC⭧ - Learning for improved practice around domestic abuse Women's Aid E-learning (PDF)⭧ - Distance learning for professionals. London Safeguarding Board⭧ - Regional safeguarding resources. Briefings & Podcasts Protecting children | NSPCC⭧ - Key guidance on impact and principles. Helplines Insight Briefing⭧ - Impact data and insights. How to Protect Children | NSPCC⭧ - General info and advice. Podcast: How DA affects children⭧ - Practitioner format (2024). Podcast: Protecting babies⭧ - For the youngest victims (2025). Family Support Women & Babies Support (PDF)⭧ - Women's Aid professional guide. Wish Centre Resources⭧ - Youth-focussed materials. Creative Wellbeing Programme⭧ - Local 'This is Croydon' initiative for children with DA experience.

Outlines the process for resolving professional disagreements in safeguarding cases, ensuring timely and effective multi-agency responses. Escalation & Resolution Policy This Escalation and Resolution Policy is designed to keep our focus entirely on the safety and well-being of the child. When different organisations or professionals disagree on a safeguarding decision, we need a clear, structured way to resolve those differences quickly and constructively. The goal is to encourage a healthy culture of professional challenge, ensuring that no dispute gets in the way of protecting a child. Core Safeguarding Principles When navigating a disagreement, keep these five pillars in mind: The child's safety is the priority: Disputes must never leave a child at risk. Act quickly and keep the focus on making the child safer. Be critically reflective: Respect that different professions have different perspectives, theories, and approaches. Be open to shared reflective discussions. Take a restorative approach: Keep conversations respectful and value relationships. Listen carefully to make sure everyone's voice is heard. Value relationships and dialogue: Prioritise direct, active communication over emails, especially during handovers or transitions. Value professional curiosity: Ask questions and avoid jumping to assumptions. Be open to having your own decisions challenged constructively. The 5-Stage Escalation Process This process covers both informal and formal steps. Each stage should be completed within seven working days. Purpose of policy Principles 1 Stage 1: Frontline Practitioner Discussion Informal (up to 7 working days) The professionals directly involved should discuss the matter . Many differences can be resolved here through direct, professional dialogue. 2 Stage 2: Frontline Manager Discussion Informal (up to 7 working days) If you cannot reach an agreement at Stage 1, escalate the issue to your line manager. The managers from both agencies should contact each other to try to negotiate a resolution. 3 Stage 3: Designated Safeguarding Lead or Operational Manager Formal (up to 7 working days) If managers cannot resolve the issue, it moves to the formal stage. Pass the details to your agency's designated safeguarding lead or operational manager. At this stage, you must submit a CSCP Escalation Form ⭧ and record all discussions in writing. A multi-agency reflective group consultation can also be requested here. 4 Stage 4: Senior Manager or Director Formal (up to 7 working days) If the issue remains unresolved, it is referred to named senior managers or directors within the involved agencies to negotiate a final resolution. 5 Stage 5: CSCP Dispute Resolution Meeting Formal (up to 7 working days) As a final step, the dispute is referred to the CSCP Dispute Resolution Meeting (led by statutory partners and the CSCP Independent Scrutineer) to make a definitive decision in the best interest of the child. Important Reminders for All Staff No child should be left at risk: If a child is in immediate danger, do not wait for the escalation stages. Take immediate protective action. Keep tight records : Write everything down. All discussions, disagreements, and agreed outcomes must be logged on the child's case file within your agency's system. Use the right forms: Remember to submit the CSCP Escalation Notification Form at Stages 3, 4, and 5. This helps the partnership spot recurring themes and improve overall practice. Whistleblowing : If you feel unable to raise your concerns through these standard routes, or if your concerns are ignored, refer to your organisation's whistleblowing policy. You can also contact the CSCP Independent Scrutineer directly. Download the full policy here ⭧ Supporting Documents for Safeguarding The following resources are designed to help professionals manage and resolve safeguarding concerns, always keeping the child’s welfare as the top priority. If you have any questions or need further assistance email cscp@croydon.gov.uk Document Description CSCP Escalation Form A form to be used at Stages 3, 4, and 5 of the escalation process. Download form Escalation stages (flowchart) A visual guide to navigate the escalation process effectively. Download Flowchart Case of Concern form Use this form to report near-miss safeguarding cases with serious practice issues. This form should not be used for case escalation. Download form

Explore Croydon’s Local Safeguarding Children Practice Reviews (LSCPRs), analysing key cases to improve child and adult safeguarding. Learn from findings and recommendations. Safeguarding Practice Reviews 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 ফেব্রুয়ারি, 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 ফেব্রুয়ারি, 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

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. Learn more about the LADO Education Toolkit The Education Toolkit provides links to resources and support specifically for local schools and colleges. View toolkit Escalation and Resolution Process Find out how to resolve professional disagreements with our escalation process. View Policy Neglect Strategy The Croydon Neglect Strategy serves as a practical guide for addressing child neglect. View Neglect Strategy The Safeguarding Practice Review Process Learn more about the processes involved in a safeguarding practice review. Learn more about the process 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. Learn more Policies and Guidance Local Guidance Last issued Case of Concern Referral 18/02/2026 Download document Children's Social Care - Local Assessment Protocol Download document Clare's Law 23/05/2025 Download document Croydon 11-25 Exploitation strategy 03/09/2024 Download document Croydon Children's Services Procedure Manual Access portal Escalation Form 2026 01/01/2026 Download document Escalation and resolution policy 01/01/2026 Download document MASH Operating protocol 01/07/2024 Download document Regional / National Guidance Last updated Working Together to Safeguard Children 18/03/2026 View Resource Keeping Children Safe in Education 07/07/2026 View Resource Information Sharing 01/05/2024 View Resource London Child Safeguarding Procedures View Resource MACE Protocol for London View Resource FGM: Resource Pack 06/02/2023 View Resource Keeping children safe online View Resource Improving the response to child sexual abuse in England View Resource

Explore the Post-Training Resource Hub for essential materials, guidance, and tools to support continued learning and best practice in child safeguarding following training sessions. Post-Training Resource Hub Access to these resources is exclusively available to individuals who have attended one of our training sessions and have received the designated passcode. We are pleased to offer you a curated selection of materials designed to enrich your learning and support your continued professional development. We encourage you to explore the content, which has been tailored to complement and extend the insights gained during your training. Please begin by selecting the relevant event or course from the list below. Voice of the Child Conference Graded Care Profile 2 Trauma Informed Practice

Find a range of safeguarding training opportunities and courses for professionals in Croydon. Learn how to recognise, respond to, and prevent harm to children. Safeguarding Children Training 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। Our collection of bespoke safeguarding training covers everything required to equip you and your staff with the essential knowledge needed to support safe and effective practice. Before accessing the system, you will need to create a user account . This gives you easy access to manage your bookings, complete evaluations, and download certificates whenever you need them. Please ensure that you have successfully reserved a spot for any session you wish to attend, as these events are not open and require confirmed registration. Some courses may involve fee. To find out if any charges apply, please follow the course link and review the details, including the dates, on the booking page. Please note: Selecting the correct organisation is important, as it ensures you receive any free training you are entitled to and helps avoid unnecessary charges. How to Access Training Partnership Agencies Training is free for employees from one of the following partnerships agencies: Croydon Council, Health, and Police. Voluntary, Community & Faith Groups Training is available to non-profit organisations for a nominal fee, offering an accessible way to enhance safeguarding knowledge and practice. Private Sector Private childcare, schools outside of partnership, and for-profit providers . Booking fees are apply at the point of booking. CSCP Training Portal Register Login IN-PERSON CSCP Lunch & Learn The CSCP will be hosting a series sessions to support implementation of the Information Sharing Duty. 60 mins Group B,C,D,E Book here ELEARNING Contextual Safeguarding A self‑paced e‑learning course designed to strengthen practitioners’ understanding and application of contextual safeguarding. 90 - 100 mins Group A,B,C,D Book here IN-PERSON Risk Identification in DA & MARAC For professionals responsible for identify domestic abuse risk using the CAADA DASH framework and applying local MARAC processes. Full day Group D,E Book here ELEARNING Safeguarding Children Level 1 Essential foundation for anyone working with or around children in Croydon. 45 mins Group A Book here ELEARNING The LADO & Managing allegations Available from October 60 mins Group A,B,C,D Book here ELEARNING Graded Care Profile 2 Become a licensed practitioner to use the Graded Care Profile 2 neglect assessment tool developed by NSPCC. 2 - 3 hrs Group D,E Book here ELEARNING Safeguarding Children Level 2 For professionals who have regular contact with children and their families. 90 mins Group B,C Book here IN-PERSON Domestic Abuse Awareness Learn to understand and identify domestic abuse and apply processes to assess and manage risk Half day Group A,B,C,D Book here IN-PERSON Young People & Substance Misuse Discover the substance misuse risks and the contextual factors that shape young people's behaviour. various Group B,C,D,E Book here Unsure which training is for you? Learn more about competencies > Post-Training Resource Hub Unlock exclusive resources by attending one of our training sessions. Once completed, you will receive your passcode and immediate access to the full suite of materials Unlock your resources External Training Opportunities The training opportunities below are delivered by trusted external organisations, offering specialist knowledge and expertise to complement CSCP's core safeguarding programme. Find upcoming safeguarding children training sessions, offered free of charge by the London Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP). Find a course High-quality DSL training and educational support services for schools and other educational settings in Croydon and the surrounding areas. Find a course Free training and resources aimed at safeguarding children and young people from experiencing gaming and gambling harms. Find a course Identifying training needs Child safety is a shared responsibility across all professions. The CSCP Competency Framework required safeguarding training based on role and responsibility. We’ve simplified this into five role-based groups (A–E) with tailored courses, ensuring all staff, from frontline to leaders, have the necessary skills. Use this guide or download our quick reference⭧ to find your group and access training through the CSCP training portal . Group A - Minimal contact with children Librarians | GP receptionists | Community advice centre staff | Groundskeepers | Environmental health officers Key responsibilities for roles involving occasional interaction with children include: Recognising signs and indicators of child abuse and neglect Recording and sharing information about concerns Understanding the organisation's basic safeguarding procedures Knowing who to contact about a child's safety or welfare, including alternates Knowing who to contact about a colleague’s behaviour or potential risk to children Understanding expected standards of staff behaviour towards children Group B - Regular content with children Housing officers | Hospital staff | Youth justice service staff | Police officers (non-specialist roles) | Sports development officers / Coach | Disability specialists | Faith group leaders | Youth workers | Play scheme workers | Volunteers Key responsibilities for roles with frequent interaction with children: Record and share information about concerns. Understand how to use the Threshold Guidance ⭧ to assess the needs of children and and their families. Collaborate to identify, assess, and meet the needs of children with safeguarding concerns, focusing on child-centered interventions and measurable outcomes. Understand the impact of parenting difficulties (e.g., domestic abuse, mental health, substance misuse, learning difficulties) on parenting capacity. Recognise the importance of family history and functioning. Work with children and families, addressing lack of cooperation and superficial compliance within the role. Group C - Specialist Child Protection Role Paediatricians / GPs / Health care workers | Deputy DSL / Lead Practitioner | Early years practitioners | Residential staff Midwives | Health visitors | Sexual health staff | Teachers | Probation staff | Sports club | Welfare officers | Professionals in adult services | Community play scheme workers Key responsibilities of roles with frequent interaction with children: Conducting section 47 enquiries, attending Child Protection Conferences, and managing Core Groups; roles, responsibilities, and collaborative practice. Using professional judgements to make decisions as to whether a child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm. Working with complexity. Taking emergency action. Communicating with children in line with interviewing vulnerable witness guidance. Promoting effective, professional practice. Supervising child protection cases and advising others. Group D - Operational Managers & Named Designated Leads Operational managers of services for children, young people, and/or parents/carers Professional advisers/consultants Designated Leads for Child Protection. Key responsibilities that involve overseeing child protection cases, supervising staff, and ensuring effective inter-agency practices: Working with complex cases and social work staff responsible for coordinating assessments of children in need. Supervising child protection cases. Managing performance to promote effective inter-agency practice. Specialist training to undertake key management and/or supervisory roles in, for example, intake/duty teams. Group E - Senior & Strategic Managers Senior managers responsible for strategic management of services for children, young people, and/or parents/carers Members of Local Safeguarding Children Partnerships Board-level executives, directors, and elected members Key responsibilities involve setting strategic direction, ensuring compliance with safeguarding policies, and promoting inter-agency collaboration: Sets Section 11: Expectations, Roles, and Responsibilities Promote Effective Cooperation: Members are expected to foster cooperation that enhances overall effectiveness. Stay Informed: Keep up with current policy, research, and practice developments. Apply Lessons Learned: Implement lessons from Serious Case Reviews and Learning and Improvement Reviews. Specialist Training: Ensure specialist training for specific roles, such as Independent Chair and Business Manager. Safer Recruitment Training: Complete training on safer recruitment practices.

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Official learning hub Multi-Agency Audits - Access key findings from Domestic Abuse cases and relevant resources.

Practical advice and resources to help parents and caregivers support children's safety, wellbeing, and development.

Information on the procedures followed when a child dies, including review processes and support for families and professionals. What happens when a child dies We understand that reporting the death of a child is an incredibly difficult and sensitive task. Thank you for taking this important step 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 so that the appropriate agencies are notified and the necessary review processes can begin. 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 is 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. Child Death Reviews The CDOP Process Guidance for professionals 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: eCDOP B Report Form User Guide (PDF, 463KB) Child Death Reporting Form Flowchart (PDF, 107KB) 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 South West London CDOP Annual Report 2023-24 Samaritans Bereavement Support Lullaby Trust National Child Mortality Database (NCMD) Guidance