Designated lead practitioners engagement

Many thanks Designated Lead Practitioners for completing the safeguarding questionnaire which was recently circulated. Your engagement is very much appreciated.

We have now reviewed the responses and will take on board your suggestions for additional support that would help in your role. Keep a look out here for further information as this is developed.

Below are answers to frequently asked questions that have also been submitted. 

Will there be training on the new Early Help Assessment?

The Children and Family Wellbeing Service are leading on this and there will be multi agency training available that Designated Lead Practitioners can attend. Dates will be released soon via the Children's Safeguarding Assurance Partnership website.

Early Help Assessment E-learning is available to access now via Astute e-learning.

As a childminder we don't really get to hear of any changes only when we refresh training, can you help with this? 

Top advice would be to save the link to the new Children's Safeguarding Assurance Partnership website on your desk top. You are then just a click away from lots of valuable Lancashire specific information, resources and procedures.

Is there someone we can talk to if we have any concerns for a child's welfare?

For day to day advice and support you can contact the Early Education Safeguarding Officer Catherine Isherwood on 07909 001 430.

Professionals can also contact the Children's Services Support Hub and request to speak to an early help officer or a social worker to discuss concerns on 0300 123 6720 or out of hours 0300 123 6722.

Is there a shorter basic E-learning safeguarding course that new staff can complete while waiting to enrol on the 3 hour Introduction to Safeguarding training?

The Introduction to Safeguarding training is now virtual (with an optional live Q&A element). This allows for flexibility for practitioners accessing the course.

There is a basic awareness raising e-learning course entitled 'Safeguarding Children Levels 1 and 2 v2'  (takes approximately 4 hrs to complete) and can be found via the Children's Safeguarding Assurance Partnership.

What is the Children and Family Wellbeing Service and how can they help children and families we work with?

The Children and Family Wellbeing Service (CFW) offers early help and support to children, young people age 0-19+yrs (0 - 25yrs for SEND) and their families across Lancashire. The service responds as early as possible when a child, young person, or family needs support.

The focus of the service is to provide support at level 2 or 3 on the Continuum of Need and is for those who have complex or intensive needs where we consider the provision of  early help will make a positive difference.

CFW practitioners are able to offer practical support on a whole range of issues which may be affecting individuals or the family. Support is generally offered through a network of neighbourhood centres as well as in the community or in the family home.  They also work with children, young people, parents (and parents to be) through group programmes, activities, and drop-in support.

Further information about the service offer and key contact details can be found on the Children and Family Wellbeing Service page.