The Department for Education (DfE) published a new edition of its statutory guidance Working together to safeguard children in December 2023. The 2023 edition replaces Working together to safeguard children 2018, which underwent a limited factual update in 2020. The guidance outlines what organisations and agencies must and should do to help, protect and promote […]

Free services to help Somerset parents reduce unhealthy relationship conflict The challenge Louie, aged 8: “My mum and dad spend so much time hating each other they don’t have a lot of time to love me”. Shakira, aged 14: “It’s when she picks up her phone and sighs and rolls her eyes, I know it’s

Reflections from Superintendent Dickon Turner on a career in safeguarding. Please note: this article references child abuse. Sadly, I am saying goodbye to the Somerset Safeguarding Children’s Partnership in late October as I approach my 30 years in policing milestone. I first encountered the formal idea of safeguarding children in 2002, when I asked if

Building on the success of our June Forum week – Exploring Neglect, we are thrilled to announce our upcoming December Forum week and welcome you to join us online for our lunchtime interactive webinar’s where we will ‘Get to know Somerset.’ Throughout the week, we will be hearing from a range of practitioners across agencies:

Somerset Youth Parliament offers children and young people from across Somerset the opportunity to have their voice heard, influence positive change and help improve things for young people in Somerset. Nominations open in September and voting opens after nominations close on Monday 13 November. > For more information on the upcoming Youth Parliament elections scan

In light of the recent Lucy Letby verdict, the Local Authority Designated Officers (LADO) have written an article recapping their role within Somerset: The LADO role was introduced within ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ guidance in 2006. The emphasis of the LADO service is very much immersed in dealing with people who work with children