Date of meeting: 17 September 2025

Agencies represented:

Children’s Social Care;

Education

Croydon Housing;

South West London Integrated Care Board (ICB);

Croydon Health Service

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM);

Metropolitan Police;

Schools;

Voluntary and Community Sector organisations;

Independent Scrutineer

CSCP Business Team

Chair: Keith Makin, CSCP Independent Scrutineer (on behalf of Amanda Andrews)

Quality Assurance Group strengthens safeguarding learning, data insight and community partnerships

Overview

The Croydon Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP) Quality Assurance Group met in September to review safeguarding performance, monitor audit activity and consider assurance from partner agencies. The meeting focused on how data, quality assurance and partnership learning can be used more effectively to improve outcomes for children and young people.

Members reviewed progress against the partnership's quality assurance programme and considered emerging themes from safeguarding audits, performance data and agency updates. Particular attention was given to domestic abuse, extra-familial harm, safeguarding within community settings and the quality of information shared between agencies.

The meeting also highlighted the growing contribution of community, faith and voluntary organisations in supporting safeguarding activity and strengthening local support networks for children, young people and families.

Positive work highlighted

The Group welcomed significant improvements in the quality and use of the CSCP Performance Dataset. Partners reported that the data is increasingly being used within organisations to inform practice, identify trends and strengthen safeguarding responses.

Positive progress was highlighted in the Family First Partnership programme, with development continuing locally as part of the wider national reform agenda.

Members also heard about preparations for an upcoming focused inspection activity and the ongoing development of integrated approaches to supporting children and families.

The meeting recognised the substantial progress made in engaging faith groups and community organisations. Safeguarding awareness work is increasing across a range of community settings, helping to strengthen relationships and improve understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.

Members also welcomed learning from recent audit activity, including work relating to domestic abuse, extra-familial harm and safeguarding practice within specialist services.

There was strong support for developing new ways of sharing learning, including practical resources and training materials.

Challenges discussed

Partners discussed ongoing concerns regarding the quality and consistency of information contained within some safeguarding referrals. Members agreed that incomplete information can make it more difficult to assess risk and identify the most appropriate support for children and families.

The meeting considered challenges relating to domestic abuse identification and referral pathways. Data suggested that some safeguarding concerns may not always be recognised or escalated appropriately, highlighting the need for improved awareness and professional curiosity.

The Group also discussed workforce and capacity pressures affecting some agencies, particularly within safeguarding and partnership functions. Concerns were raised about maintaining adequate representation within key safeguarding arrangements during periods of organisational change and financial pressure.

Members additionally explored the importance of ensuring safety planning is coordinated across organisations, particularly where multiple services are involved in supporting vulnerable young people.

Key discussion items

• Review of the CSCP Performance Dataset and the impact of improved data analysis.

• Domestic abuse themes, referral pathways and safeguarding learning.

• Progress of the Family First Partnership programme and wider service reforms.

• Learning from audits relating to extra-familial harm and safeguarding practice.

• Quality and consistency of referrals into safeguarding systems.

• Safeguarding engagement with community, faith and voluntary sector organisations.

• Assurance reports from Reaching Higher and the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) service.

• Feedback from children and young people and the importance of strengthening youth engagement.

  
  

Actions agreed

• Undertake further analysis of domestic abuse referrals and explore opportunities for improved identification and response.

• Strengthen quality assurance activity relating to safeguarding referrals and information sharing.

• Develop and share safeguarding resources and learning arising from recent audit activity.

• Review partnership access to specialist domestic abuse learning and development opportunities.

• Seek assurance regarding multi-agency safety planning arrangements for vulnerable children and young people.

• Continue building relationships with faith and community organisations to strengthen safeguarding awareness.

• Share learning from audits and inspection activity across the partnership.

• Follow up outstanding partnership actions and strengthen accountability for agreed improvements.

  
  

Closing statement

The Quality Assurance Group reaffirmed its commitment to learning, challenge and continuous improvement. Members welcomed the progress made in strengthening safeguarding data, partnership audits and community engagement, while recognising the importance of maintaining strong multi-agency working to address emerging risks and improve outcomes for children and young people across Croydon.