The Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 statutory guidance replaces the 2023 version and sets out updated expectations for how organisations and agencies work together to help, protect and promote the welfare of children (including unborn babies). The changes reflect learning from serious child safeguarding incidents, inspections, research and national reviews, and place a stronger emphasis on inclusive, anti‑discriminatory and context‑informed practice.
The changes also emphasise the importance of early, coordinated support, child‑centred and family‑focused practice, and strong professional curiosity across agencies.
Changes in Somerset – useful information and links
New ways of working
A significant change in the 2026 guidance is the introduction of Family help as a distinct system of support. Family help brings together non‑statutory and statutory services in a coordinated, voluntary approach, led by local authorities, to provide earlier and more flexible support where needs are emerging or escalating. Targeted Early Help and Section 17 (Child in Need) support will become a single level of support, with one plan.
This means that there will be exciting changes to the way children and families are supported in Somerset, including to the Somerset continuum of need and Effective Support Document. Children and families will experience less transitions between services and new workers. In addition, Family Group Decision Making meetings will be rolled out to support families leading their decision making and support planning.
Information sharing
Updates highlight the continued importance of timely, proportionate information sharing to safeguard children. You can read more about information sharing here.
Supporting babies (including unborn children)
The updated guidance outlines that practitioners should recognise the vulnerabilities of babies and identify risk factors early to ensure effective assessment and planning.
You can find the Somerset Pre-Birth Planning Toolkit here.
Best Start Family Hubs strengthened
The guidance adds new clarity on the role of Best Start Family Hubs, which are intended to deliver joined‑up, multi‑agency support from pregnancy through to age 19, or 25 for young people with SEND. Hubs provide ongoing support offer for families stepping down from targeted services, helping to sustain progress and prevent re‑escalation.
You can read more about the Somerset Best Start in Life programme here.
Responding to multiple and extra‑familial harms
Working Together 2026 reinforces the need to recognise that children may experience multiple or simultaneous harms, including harm outside the home such as exploitation, criminality or online abuse. Practitioners are expected to understand the context in which harm occurs and ensure that all children, including those who may be causing harm to others, receive an appropriate safeguarding response.
You can find the recently updated Somerset Exploitation Screening tool here.
Want to stay informed of upcoming safeguarding news and updates in Somerset? Sign up to the SSCP Learning Bulletin here.
