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In todays episode we speak with Natalie Hanna, Headteacher and Executive member of the SSCP, representing the education sector where we explore the evolving role of education within the safeguarding partnerships, both in Somerset, and nationally. 

We highlight the challenges and opportunities faced in integrating education as a statutory partner and the complexities of multi-agency collaboration, the importance of effective communication, and the future aspirations for safeguarding children through education. 

Insights from Natalie provide a valuable perspective on the journey towards a more inclusive safeguarding framework.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Safeguarding Partnerships
02:58 The Role of Education in Safeguarding
05:50 Challenges in Representation and Accountability
09:07 Insights from the Executive Group Experience
11:57 Navigating Complexities of Multi-Agency Work
14:54 Future of Education as a Statutory Partner
18:12 Establishing Effective Communication Channels
20:46 The Education Safeguarding Forum
24:04 Transitioning Leadership and Future Aspirations
26:57 Key Messages for Future Leaders
30:09 Reflections on Systemic Changes
32:53 Conclusion and Future Directions

Reflective Questions:

1. How can we ensure that the voice of all educational settings—including early years, alternative provision, and independent schools—is effectively represented in safeguarding discussions and decisions?
This question encourages teams to reflect on inclusivity and representation, especially in light of the fragmented education system Natalie describes.

2. In what ways can we reduce duplication and streamline safeguarding processes between schools, trusts, and local authorities to minimize workload and maximize impact?
This addresses the concern Natalie raised about overlapping audits and the need for better alignment between different safeguarding bodies.

3. How can we strengthen communication and collaboration between education and other safeguarding partners (e.g., health, police, social care) to bridge the gap between early help and crisis response?
This invites reflection on the systemic divide Natalie observed between education’s preventative focus and other agencies’ reactive roles.

4. What structures or forums do we need to establish or improve to ensure that safeguarding insights from the ground level are fed into strategic decision-making?
This question supports thinking about sustainability and the importance of feedback loops, as highlighted by the creation of the Education Safeguarding Forum.

Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk

If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at [email protected]

To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

Get in touch with us at The P Pod

Summary

Today's episode explores the vital role of SWISH, the Somerset-wide integrated sexual health service, in supporting young people's sexual health needs. 

The discussion highlights the challenges faced by young people, including peer pressure, social media influences, and barriers to accessing services. The importance of consent, safeguarding, and collaboration with multi-agency partners is emphasized, along with the need for improved access for vulnerable populations. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future directions for sexual health services and the integration of technology.

You can find out more about SWISH by visiting their website HERE

Reflective Questions for Practitioners:

1. How can we better support young people in navigating misinformation about sexual health, especially from social media platforms like TikTok? 

Reflect on how misinformation impacts young people's understanding of contraception, consent, and healthy relationships. Consider how your team can proactively address this in your practice.

 
2. In what ways can we improve our approach to identifying and responding to signs of child-on-child abuse or exploitation in young people's relationships?
Use this to explore how curiosity, open conversations, and trauma-informed approaches can help uncover hidden safeguarding concerns.

3. How effectively are we working with other agencies (e.g., health, education, police, social care) to safeguard children and young people, and where are the gaps in communication or information sharing?
Reflect on real or hypothetical cases where multi-agency collaboration either succeeded or faced challenges. What systems or practices could be improved?

 
4. How inclusive and accessible are our safeguarding and sexual health services for young people with additional needs or from marginalized groups?
Consider how your service adapts to meet the needs of young people with SEND, those in care, or those facing cultural or societal barriers.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to SWISH and Its Importance
02:41 Understanding Young People's Needs and Pressures
05:08 The Impact of Social Media on Sexual Health
06:51 Barriers to Accessing Sexual Health Services
09:42 Navigating Relationships and Consent
12:10 Addressing Child on Child Abuse
14:08 Safeguarding and Information Sharing Challenges
21:38 Understanding Informed Consent and Exploitation
22:48 Linking SWISH with Support Services
24:00 Engaging Young Voices in Service Development
25:47 Supporting Young People with Additional Needs
27:34 Conversations Around Consent
33:12 Multi-Agency Collaboration in Safeguarding
36:34 Improving IT Systems for Better Communication

Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk

If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at [email protected]

To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

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In today's episode we're lucky enough to be joined by Dr. Lou Newbury, Named Doctor for Child Safeguarding from Somerset Foundation Trust who talks to us about the importance of understanding non-fatal strangulation for both adults and children and how crucial it is that we understand the signs, symptoms and risks associated with it, as well as how this is communicated to others when we have concerns that non-fatal strangulation may have taken place.

If you'd like to get in touch with Lou to find out more she can be contacted at [email protected]

The Institute for Addressing Strangulation website, referred to by Lou in this episode can be found HERE

Takeaways:
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 expanded the definition of domestic abuse to include coercive behaviour.

• Children witnessing domestic abuse are classified as victims.
• Non-fatal strangulation is a significant risk factor for future homicide.
• Strangulation can cause severe internal injuries without visible signs.
• Victims often do not use the term 'strangulation' to describe their experience.
• The pressure required to occlude blood vessels in the neck is surprisingly low.
• Medical professionals must be vigilant in assessing potential strangulation cases.
• Multi-agency collaboration is crucial for effective response to strangulation incidents.
• Training and resources are available to help professionals recognize signs of strangulation.
• Long-term psychological effects can result from strangulation incidents.

Reflective Questions for Professionals Based on this Episode:

1. Recognition and Response:
   • How confident are we in our ability to recognize the signs and symptoms of non-fatal strangulation in both adults and children, and what steps can we take to improve our vigilance and response?
2. Impact and Support:
   • What long-term psychological and physical effects of non-fatal strangulation should we be aware of, what may this look like for those we work with and how can we better support victims in accessing the necessary medical and psychological care?
3. Collaboration and Communication:
   • How effectively are we collaborating with other agencies (e.g., healthcare, police, social services) to address concerns of non-fatal strangulation, and what can we do to enhance our multi-agency communication and cooperation?
4. Policy and Practice:
   • How well do our current policies and practices address the issue of non-fatal strangulation, and what improvements can we make to ensure a comprehensive and effective approach?

Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk

If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at [email protected]

To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

Get in touch with us at The P Pod

In today's episode we've been lucky enough to speak to Fiona Phur, who we manage to catch just hours before she retired from a long and effective career where she has worked tirelessly with children and young people across Somerset to gain their voices and represent their views at the highest level to those who effect change.

Fi talks to us about the importance of ensuring the voices of children and young people are kept at the heart of services at all times, how she and her team have worked to accomplish this, how the various young people's groups she supports ensure they are representative of as many young people as possible and how even the smallest of voices can make the biggest changes.

You can find out more about the work of the Participation Team HERE

and details of the Children & Young People Plan (CYPP) HERE

Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk

If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at [email protected]

To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

Get in touch with us at The P Pod

In todays episode we're pleased to be joined by Helen McInnes and Iain Gibson from Route1 Advocacy to talk about the work they do to gain the voices of children & young people and provide top tips on how you can gain their voices as well, from direct conversation, to practical engagement and observation.

You can find out more about Route1 Advocacy, or about volunteering with them here:  

Route1 advocacy website

Route 1 advocacy on Facebook 

Route 1 advocacy on Instagram

Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk

If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at [email protected]

To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

Get in touch with us at The P Pod

We're so pleased to be joined back in the studio today by Sally Shearer from the National Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel to provide an overview of the latest Annual Report findings, based on 330 reviews that have taken place nationally between 2023-24.

In this episode we explore the key themes from the report, what this looks like in practice and how agencies supporting families should be responding to these themes.

Links to both the Annual Report and the recent National Panel Review into Child Sexual Abuse within the Family Environment (which we also talked about in a recent episode with Dr. Anna Ridell) can be found here:

Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel: annual report 2023 to 2024 - GOV.UK

National review into child sexual abuse within the family environment - GOV.UK

Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk

If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at [email protected]

To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

Get in touch with us at The P Pod

In todays episode we continue from our previous 2 Part episode on Engaging with Fathers to look at an initiative to provide new fathers with support and advice for their physical and mental health pre and post birth.
We speak with Dr. Jo Nicholl, Designated Doctor for Safeguarding Children about the 'New Dads Supporters in Somerset' project she is leading, and the work that she has been doing to embed this in Health Services across the county.

For information on the Fatherhood Institute's campaign which aligns with this you can find out more on their website here Looking out for dad | Fatherhood Institute 

Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk

If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at [email protected]

To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

Get in touch with us at The P Pod

In todays episode we're joined by Dr. Anna Riddell, Consultant Paediatrician and Sexual Offences Examiner about the importance of recognising the prevalence and impact of Child Sexual Abuse and more crucially how victims are supported once a disclosure has been made.
As part of this we explore the findings from the recent National Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panels report into CSA within the Family Environment as well as myth-busting what a child sexual abuse assessment actually involves and tips for practitioners on how to respond should a disclosure of CSA be made to them by a child.

Links to sites referred to in this episode:
The Bridge - Help after rape and sexual assault
SARSAS home
Somerset Phoenix Project
Home | CSA Centre

Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk

If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at [email protected]

To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

Get in touch with us at The P Pod

In todays episode we continue our conversations with Dr. Jeremy Davies from The Fatherhood Institute, as well as colleagues from Public Health Nursing and Children Social Care to talk about the work they're undertaking to improve father engagement in order to safeguard children and help them to thrive.

If you'd like to find out more about The Fatherhood Institute go to their website https://www.fatherhoodinstitute.org/

Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk

If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at [email protected]

To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

Get in touch with us at The P Pod

Todays episode has been in the works for some time and we've been lucky enough to be able to do a deep dive into the topic of how services can better engage with fathers and male carers.
This is an area that's been highlighted in countless case reviews around the country, in recent national case reviews and through reports including "The Myth of Invisible Men" by The Fatherhood Institute and "Unseen Men: Learning from Case Reviews" by the NSPCC and arguably an area where there's still a lot of work to be done.

So in this episode we speak with Dr. Jeremy Davies, Deputy Chief-Exec & Head of Impact and Communications at The Fatherhood Institute, as well as having an opportunity to hear from dads themselves of their experiences and the work being done in maternity services to improve father engagement.

Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk

If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at [email protected]

To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.