Child Exploitation (CE)

This section provides information to those working or volunteering with children and families across Thurrock, who may be affected by child exploitation.  Children who are exploited usually do not recognise the coercive nature of the relationship or see themselves as a victim.  Find out more about each type of exploitation below. 

Exploitation of children by other children can be referred to as peer on peer abuse.  Sexual exploitation by peers is also discussed under harmful sexual behaviour.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the fight against exploitation and exploitation methods changed/become more hidden:

• Girls report finding it easier to travel around the county as they are challenged less than boys.
• Possible increased use of taxis/private hire vehicles by child being exploited.
• More exploitation happening at private addresses and unused business premises.
• Social media has replaced face to face interaction.  Young people are craving to connect with others and unfortunately, this can lead to grooming.

Parents/carers of children who are exploited can be secondary victims of exploitation as they may be unable to safeguard their children from exploitation but feel scrutinised by professionals.  Exploitation can become a barrier in the relationship they have with their children.  This can be referred to as extra-familial abuse.

The SET Child Exploitation Screening Framework provides local pathway guidance for professionals to identify key child exploitation risk factors present for the child and what further support services are available SET Partnership Child Exploitation Pathway

Information on suspected child exploitation activity should also be shared with the Police Operations Centre Triage Team using this form.  

Please note:- this does not replace normal referral/reporting system and is mainly for the dissemination of intelligence rather than crime reporting.

Criminal ExploitationSexual ExploitationModels/Theories of Exploitation

Criminal ExploitationExtra-Familial AbuseModern Slavery and Trafficking

Online SafetySE Safeguarding ArrangementsSpot the Signs

Safeguarding children from exploitation in hotels

Criminal Exploitation

As things start to 'go back to normal', after COVID-19, it is important to recognise that traditional signs of exploitation are now blended with new ones.  

No longer are we only looking for things such as new trainers, more money, getting taxis everywhere; we need to be aware 

of signs such as online commodities - receiving game currency and other gifts within games.  In today's world, a child could be working for a gang with no need to ever meet anyone or leave the house.

Criminal exploitation includes county lines but also includes children coerced or manipulated into criminal activity .  Initial contact can be made via social media and victims can be groomed similarly to sexual exploitation.  Young people can be criminally exploited by an adult or a peer.  The relationship is an unequal power imbalance that involves an exchange for tangible rewards (money, drugs or clothes etc) or intangible rewards (status, protection or perceived friendship).  The most common age for young people being exploited is 15-16 but this can include young children, this can also affect males and females.  Children who are not in regular school or are missing from education are considered to be at increased risk of criminal exploitation.

Children are often groomed or tricked into criminal activity before they realise the dangers.  Children can carry drugs in harmful ways, such as 'plugging' (drugs inserted into their rectum or vagina).  This is one example of how criminal and sexual exploitation can overlap.  Another example is the use of sexual violence which is used as punishment.

‘Child Criminal Exploitation is common in county lines* and occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, control, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 years. The victim may have been criminally exploited even if the activity appears consensual. Child Criminal Exploitation doesn’t always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.’ (Home Office, 2018)

‘County lines is a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs into one or more importing areas within the UK, using dedicated mobile phone lines or other form of ‘deal line’. They are likely to exploit children and vulnerable adults to move and store the drugs and money and they will often use coercion, intimidation, violence (including sexual violence) and weapons.’ (Home Office, 2018)

88% of police forces report county lines activity in their areas with approximately 1,500 county lines nationally.  'County Lines' are when individuals or gangs use children to transport and sell drugs, primarily from urban areas into market or coastal towns or rural areas to establish new drug markets or take over existing ones. They also use children to transport and hide weapons and to secure dwellings of vulnerable people in the area, so that they can use them as a base from which to sell drugs ('cuckooing'). 

County Lines involves modern slavery and trafficking as well as exploitation, as the adults running the network are removed from the frontline activity of dealing and instead use children.  Violence and intimidation are a common feature of County Lines.  Increases in knife crime and youth violence can often be an indicator of a county line in a local area.  A young person's family could be threatened as a means of propelling them to 'work' for the drug network.

Working with young people criminally exploited

It is important to adopt a welfare approach - children who are criminally exploited are victims of crime and require a multi-agency system that understands their behaviour in the context of trauma, PTSD, mental health vulnerabilities and substance misuse.  This will help build trusting and stable relationships between young people and professionals which is essential to effectively safeguard them from this harm.

For many young people who have been criminally exploited, there are 'reachable moments', circumstances when a child is more likely to take up offers of support.  These include being arrested or seriously wounded.  Professionals should capitalise on these moments to effectively safeguard the young person.

In Essex, since July 2019 the Violence and Vulnerability Unit has funded two youth workers to engage with young people attending Basildon  A&E with serious wounds in an attempt to reach out to criminally exploited young people.   The pilot project reports that 73% of young people sign up for further support following discharge from hospital.

However, it is important to remember that all young people are 'reachable' at any stage of exploitation so we should not wait for moments when they are more 'reachable'.

See the section on engaging with young people under Sexual Exploitation for key messages from young people about ways we can positively connect with them.  Messages such as focusing on their strengths and resilience rather than the risks and problems they face can reframe your relationship with them and build connections.

Safeguarding Vulnerable Young People on Public Transport (Operation Henderson Campaign)

Operation Henderson is a joint initiative being run by Thurrock and Southend Safeguarding Children Partnerships, Essex Safeguarding Children Board, British Transport Police, Essex Police, the Violence and Vulnerabilities Unit, Rail Operators, local councils and The Railway Children.  It aims to raise awareness of the vulnerability of young people to exploitation and abuse at stations and transport networks in parts of Thurrock.

Cuckooing

Criminal gangs are targeting the homes of vulnerable people to be used for drug dealing - a process known as "cuckooing" (like the bird that invades other bird's nests) and victims are often left with little choice but to cooperate.

The following individuals are sometimes targeted for cuckooing:-

• Those who suffer from drug and/or alcohol addiction
• Those who are struggling financially
• The elderly
• People with mental health issues
• Individuals with learning disabilities

What to do if you suspect a property is being 'cuckooed'?

Call Essex Police on 101 or 999 if an emergency to report drug-related information.  Please mention 'Operation Trespass' and 'Cuckooing' when you call.

Find out more 

Child Trafficking

If a child has been trafficked into the UK or is being trafficked within the UK then alongside normal safeguarding processes, a referral to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) needs to be made, this needs to be completed by a First Responder.  For more information on NRM, click here.

The NRM is a framework for identifying victims of human trafficking and modern slavery and ensuring they receive appropriate support.  All organisations and agencies have responsibility for identifying victims of trafficking, however, only 'first responders' can refer a potential victim into the NRM via a competent authority.  In all cases referred, there must be a referral to the Police (to report a potential crime) and Local Authority Children's Social Care (the responsibility for the care, protection and accommodation of child trafficking victims from the UK and abroad falls to local authorities under the 1989 and 2004 Children Act).  This will ensure necessary measures are taken to safeguard the child.  More information is in the SET Procedures (24.13).

The Home Office has updated the statutory guidance on the roles and responsibilities of Independent Child Trafficking Guardians (ICTGs) in England and Wales.  ICTGs are an independent source of advice for children who have been trafficked and somebody who can speak up on their behalf.  The service has expanded to new areas in London (in addition to the Borough of Croydon where the service was already available), Essex, West Yorkshire, Merseyside, Kent, Surrey, Warwickshire, Bedfordshire, North Yorkshire, Gloucestershire, Bristol and Lancashire.  For further guidance on accessing the service, click here

Extra-Familial Abuse

Extra-familial abuse is linked to 'contextual safeguarding' or 'complex safeguarding'.  These concepts refer to harm that occurs to children outside of their family system, often during the adolescent years because at this age their social networks widen.  These networks can have a significant influence over an adolescent's understanding of social norms.

A large proportion of child exploitation takes place in public spaces (parks, stairwells, high streets etc.) so it is these locations that often require a professional response to safeguard young people from exploitation rather than solely focusing on the child and their family.

Children experiencing exploitation and trauma may direct physical aggression towards their parents and siblings, creating further strain in family relationships.  Parents/carers can also feel a sense of guilt and shame that their child has been exploited, they may also feel physically threatened by perpetrators and concerned about their family's safety.

Parents Against Child Exploitation is a national dedicated website for parents/carers of children and young people at risk of, or being, exploited by perpetrators outside the family.  They offer guidance, support and promote the role of family in disrupting child exploitation.

Models and Theories of Exploitation

Models and Theories of Exploitation

The exploitation of children is seen in varied forms, these are often described using models of exploitation.  These models are devised through research and can therefore expand and contract.  Also, these models do not work in isolation and various models can operate concurrently.  The models below are a collection of models identified by Barnardos, The Children's Society and Safe and Sound.

Query whether to link to our Child Exploitation and Missing Arrangements

Online

Children and young people are subject to risks when they are accessing online activities and this includes the risk of sexual exploitation.  This can include adults and peers deceiving and exploiting children and young people into producing sexual images

of themselves, engaging in sexual chat online or sexual activity over a webcam.  Children and young people can be groomed online by sexual perpetrators and manipulated and coerced to meet up secretly, or images can be screenshot and saved to blackmail young people, which can be frightening and intimidating.

Organised/Network 

This model includes the sex trafficking of children and young people across international borders as well as across internal borders, it can include the moving of children and young people between houses or hotels within the same town/district, for the purposes of passing children and young people to an amongst one or more sexual perpetrators.  

This includes larger networks of organised crime with the purposes of 'selling' children and young people.  Young people themselves can be exploited into 'recruitment' of other children and young people, including for the purposes of 'sex parties' arranged by the perpetrators.  Such parties offer substances and alcohol to young people, and may involve webcams to record and stream sexual acts.  Young people may be manipulated and blackmailed through indecent images obtained or allegations of a drug debt following the party, this can also be found in the gangs and peer on peer models.

Peer on Peer

Peer-on-peer abuse is any form of physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse, and coercive control, exercised between children and within children's relationships (both intimate and non-intimate).

Peer-on-peer abuse can take various forms, including: serious bullying (including cyber-bullying), relationship abuse, domestic violence, child sexual exploitation, youth and serious youth violence, harmful sexual behaviours, and/or gender-based violence.  Some children can experience significant harm beyond their families with harmful relationships online, with peers and in their neighbourhoods and community.  Extra-familial abuse can undermine parent-child relationships and a parent's capacity to protect their child.  Assessing harm of children should recognise children are vulnerable to abuse in a range of social contexts.

Definition of Peer on Peer abuse - film by University of Bedfordshire

Sexual exploitation can happen amongst young people of a similar age, and is often referred to as sexual bullying (Children's Society, 2015). Some young people will befriend other young people and make them believe they are in a loving 'relationship' or 'friendship', they are then coerced into having sex with friends or associates.  Peer on peer model can sometimes be related to gangs and group activity.  Peer on peer sexual exploitation can include the abuse happening in public, by one or more perpetrators, and/or be filmed and distributed.  In all cases of peer on peer exploitation, a power imbalance will still inform the relationship, but this might not necessarily be through an age gap between the abuser and the abused.

Older Boyfriend/Girlfriend 

Often referred to as the Boyfriend Model, this model involves the befriending and grooming of a child or young person by an order adult.  This grooming process often revolves around the child and young person's vulnerabilities and building the child or young person to believe that they are in a loving relationship.  The young person may then be passed to other known adults to the 'boyfriend'/'girlfriend' merging into the gang or organised network models.

Inappropriate Relationship

This usually involves one perpetrator who has inappropriate power or control over a young person, such as being physically older, stronger or wealthier or in a position of power e.g. teacher or community leader.  This person will be having some form of a sexual relationship with a young person.  This can include familial abuse where a family member is exploiting their child, sibling for some gain, including third party gain.  The abuser may also be vulnerable due to mental health issues, drug and alcohol dependency or a previous, and/or current, experience of exploitation themselves.

Gangs/Group

Sexual exploitation can occur through gangs and groups; this can be through gang initiation rituals, threats of violence and bullying, or as a punishment for crossing gang areas for example.  Females can be found to be exploited through 'honey trapping', whereby a woman is tasked to infiltrate another gang through sexual advances.  Young males may be forced to have sex with older women or women of similar ages in order to prove masculinity or with adult males as a form of punishment.  Both genders may be exploited and trafficked in the movement or sale of drugs for the gang (criminal exploitation and county lines) and this can involve 'plugging', whereby substances are transported in their anus.  It has been found that the retrieval of substances can be sexually abusive and humiliating.  Young people can themselves be exploited into recruiting other young people into gangs, exposing others to risks of gang violence and sexual exploitation.

County Lines

Organised groups or gangs using mobile phone lines to extend their drug dealing business into new locations, young people exploited to carry and sell drugs from borough to borough and across county boundaries.

Trauma Model and Child Exploitation

Usually children do not realise that they are being exploited and become caught in the trap of exploitation.  Parents/carers and professionals may not understand why the child does not walk away, alert them to the abuse and why they go back to the perpetrator.  Grooming and Trauma Bonds helps us to understand the complexities of the victim-perpetrator relationship.

Grooming Process

Grooming refers to actions carried out to target, befriend or establish an emotional connection with a child to lower their inhibitions in prepartion for exploiting them and establish control over the child.  This can take place over a short or long period of time, online or in person.  The perpetrator can be known to the child or a stranger.  It often includes breaking down a child's protective factors to isolate them, such as a positive relationship with a family and friends who would usually be able to be alerted to concerns and safeguard the child.  Family and friends of the child can also be groomed as part of this process.

Trauma Bonds

Many children and young people who are exploited form a "trauma bond" with their abuser, whom they feel a deep sense of loyalty towards.  Trauma bonds occur when a person feels threatened and receives harsh treatment together with small acts of kindness, they also feel isolated and believe there is no escape.

This occurs in exploitative relationships, so the child or young person may show support for their abuser, feel negative towards those trying to rescue them and have an inability to engage in ways to detach themselves from abusers.  It is understood that children and young people enter into survival mode so are not able to logically exercise choice because they are confronted with a dangerous situation.

Fear activities immediate survival mode and the response can be to freeze as an automatic response and endure the abuse rather than take flight.  Survival mode then drives the child and young person to create an attachment with their abuser and the relationship becomes complex whereby the abuser hurts the child or young person but they continue to seek comfort from their abuser.  

Any contact by the abuser re-bonds them to the child or young person and they have an overwhelming drive to return to them.  Breaking the trauma bond is very difficult but can be achieved through consistent support from alternative health relationships and a place of safety away from the abuser so the child or young person is not solely dependent on the abuser.

The trauma of abuse can cause a child to deploy coping strategies to manage the pain of the experience.  One common defence is disassociation.  A child may disassociate from safe adults and struggle to develop positive self-worth and an ability to plan ahead through learned experiences.  Children who have been exploited may use alcohol or drugs to assist them in disassociating psychologically and physically from traumatic experiences too.

Image Ref: The Grooming Line from 'Barnardo's Be Wise 2 Exploitation'.

Modern Slavery and Trafficking

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 categorises modern slavery as offences of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking.  This includes holding a person in a position of slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, or facilitating their travel with the intention of exploiting them soon after.  It is possible to be a victim of modern slavery within a person's own country and therefore applies to UK and non-UK resident children.

Trafficking is "the act of recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation" (from Article 3 of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children by United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime, 2000).

Whilst traditionally we think of trafficking as cross-border between countries, the prevalence of criminal and sexual exploitation means that children are often trafficked between locations within the UK (or Thurrock) for the purpose of being exploited.  Trafficking can be a feature of sexual exploitation as children are moved between locations of abuse.  It can also be a feature of criminal exploitation as a means of control over children who are moved to work (sometimes in isolating locations) to repay a debt (debt bondage) or in the sale of children as a commodity.

The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is a framework for identifying victims of modern slavery and trafficking and ensure they receive appropriate support.  Only first responders (Children's Social Care and Police) can refer a child to the National Referral Mechanism, the form should also be copied to Essex Police at htms@essex.pnn.police.uk so that the police can build a more accurate picture of the referrals sent by all first responders.

Sexual Exploitation

Sexual Exploitation involves an imbalance of power in favour of the abuser where coercion, intimidation, violence and/or enticement are used to sexually abuse a child.  This can emerge from a seemingly consensual relationship with the child.  It can also include introductions to other abusers, formal prostitution of the child and/or the production and distribution of sexual images or exposure of the child to sexual images.  It can be perpetrated by both males and female adults and also peers of the child.  It can affect children from all social backgrounds irrespective of gender and ethnicity.

Definition

The most recent updated definition of child sexual exploitation is by the Department of Education in 2017 which was published alongside new practice guidance.  This definition is also incorporated into the most recent 'Working Together to Safeguard Children' guidance 2019.

'Child sexual exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse.  It occurs where an individual or a group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity (a) in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or (b) for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator.  The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual.  Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can occur through the use of technology'

This guidance emphasises the distinction between child sexual exploitation and child sexual abuse, it explains that child sexual exploitation involves an 'exchange' and the guidance explains an exchange as

• The child/young person receives, or believes they will receive, something they need or want (tangible or intangible gain or the avoidance of harm) in exchange for the sexual activity;
• The perpetrator/facilitator gain financial advantage or enhanced status from the abuse.

Consent

There is a danger that not fully understanding consent could lead to missed safeguarding opportunities.  Consent can only be given if a person has a choice and also has the freedom and capacity to make a choice.  Children cannot consent to sexual exploitation as they cannot consent to their own abuse.  16 and 17 year olds can consent to sex but they can still be sexually exploited.  A 'social model of consent' refers to consent and abusive sexual activity, it explains how various social and environmental factors constrain a young person's capacity to provide consent.  It is explained in this short film by Professor Jenny Pearce from the University of Bedfordshire.

The trap of child sexual exploitation is explored further  in the trauma model and CE, this explains some of the reasons why a child may not alert safe adults to their abuse and may return to the perpetrator who harmed them.  This behaviour can mean some professionals may not always identify a child as being exploited.

Views of the Child

Children have shared that they find it difficult to access and receive support.  This is because they do not consider themselves to be a victim of exploitation or at risk.  They do not always accept that they need help or that they may not be able to protect themselves.  They also do not easily trust professionals and feel they have failed many victims in the past.  

Commonly children have repeated key themes about what they want from professionals who are reaching out to help them.  They want professionals to notice what could be happening and ask them questions but at their pace and to feel they genuinely care.  Children do not want to feel blamed or judged and they want their personal information respected and to feel they are working together with professionals.  They want to feel professionals pay attention to their strengths as well as the risks in their life, thinking about all their needs, including their family.  They want a professionals who will help them to make sense of what has happened and find ways to offer consistent support.

Introduction to Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews

INTRODUCTION TO SAFEGUARDING REVIEWS

Thurrock LSCP are committed to supporting practitioners and organisations to improve practice and achieve the best possible outcomes for children and young people within the Borough.

Reviewing professional practice allows for identification of learning and best practice.  Reviews can range from case audits through to Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews – formally known as Serious Case Reviews under the previous safeguarding arrangements. However, the purpose is the same, to identify how to achieve the best outcomes for children and young people.

Working Together 2018 has clarified revised statutory requirements and is explicit regarding the purpose of Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews:-

Whilst the responsibility for learning from Serious Child Safeguarding incidents lies at a national level with the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel (formerly The National Panel), at a local level, it is the local safeguarding partners who are responsible for making arrangements to identify and review serious child safeguarding cases and to ensure that the learning is shared appropriately.

Current Reviews

Published Reviews

It is the normal expectation that the review reports will be published on the Thurrock LSCP website.  If there is a valid reason why it is considered inappropriate to publish, any information about the improvements that are made following the review, will still be shared.

All independent reviews have scrutinised the actions/learning points of all agencies and organisations that had involvement with the family, additionally the LSCP has been working with agencies to ensure that learning improvements are made.

Thematic Review into Serious Youth Violence and Gang Related Activity

Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) have undertaken a Thematic Review into Serious Youth Violence and Gang Related Activity.  This published report focused on identifying any emerging issues in this area and what work is in place to support and protect children and young people at risk of serious youth violence and gang related activity.

Thematic Learning Report

Ashley and Shae Review - Learning for non-accidental injuries in babies under 1

Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) have undertaken a review into the circumstances surrounding “Ashley and Shae” cases. Both relate to children under 1 (one was aged 7 weeks and the other 9 months) who sustained non-accidental injuries in the end of 2019 and beginning of 2020.  The Learning and Recommendations highlight learning for health professionals as well as multi-agency professionals.

LHR Ashley and Shae Learning

LPR Leo

Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) have been undertaking a Learning Practice Review into the circumstances surrounding the support and services provided to a young people, in this report known as Leo, and his family.

LPR Leo Report

SCR Frankie

Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) have been undertaking a Serious Case Review into the circumstances surrounding “Frankie” a 15-year old Thurrock teenager who was murdered in London in June 2018.  The review highlights learning for professionals as well as acknowledges the efforts made by key practitioners.

SCR Frankie

SCR Sam and Kyle

Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) have been undertaking a Serious Case Review into the circumstances surrounding the support and service provision to two young children, to be called “Sam and Kyle”.  

SCR Sam and Kyle

National Reviews

The National Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel will undertake reviews were the following criteria has been met:-

• Highlights or may highlight improvements needed to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, including where those improvements have been previously identified,
• Raises or may raise issues requiring legislative change or changes to guidance under or further to any enactment,
• Highlights or may highlight themes in the safeguarding and promotion of the welfare of children.

Two reviews have been published and Thurrock LSCP are currently looking at both these reports to identify learning for Thurrock.

"It was hard to escape"

Safeguarding children at risk from sudden unexpected infant death

Neglect

There are many factors that influence and shape the development of a child. Some are within the child, such as genetic factors and others are from external sources such as physical, psychological and family influences, as well as the cultural and community aspects.

Neglect can be difficult to identify.  Every child deserves to be loved, cared for and protected.  In Thurrock, neglect is the largest cohort for children on a Child Protection Plan (CPP).  64% of referrals made the Thurrock Childrens Social Care in March 2023, were for issues of neglect.  As a Partnership, we need to spot and tackle neglect before it becomes significant and reaches threshold for intervention.

The impact of neglect will vary according to type, severity and length of exposure, making it difficult for those working with children and families to manage.  Professional uncertainty, differences of opinion or undue optimism regarding levels of need and the criteria for significant harm can lead to long term exposure which substantially increase the risk to children.

What is Neglect?

Neglect is the ongoing failure to meet a child's basic needs and the most common form of child abuse.  A child might be left hungry or dirty, or without proper clothing, shelter, supervision or health care.  This can put children and young people in danger and can also have long term effects on their physical and mental wellbeing.

There are four types of neglect

• Physical neglect - a child's basic needs, such as food, clothing or shelter, are not met or they are not properly supervised or kept safe.
• Education neglect - a parent does not ensure their children is given an education.
• Emotional neglect - a child does not get the nurture and stimulation they need.  This could be through ignoring, humiliating, intimidating or isolating them.
• Medical neglect - a child is not given proper health care.  This includes dental care and refusing or ignoring medical recommendations.

Neglect remains one of the Thurrock Safeguarding Children’s Partnership (LSCP) key priorities. The Partnership has a Neglect Strategy which is driven and monitored by the Neglect Group.

This strategy has been developed with multi-agency partners to set out Thurrock’ s approach to child neglect:

Thurrock LSCP Neglect Strategy

This strategy should be viewed alongside the following key strategies, policies and procedures and government guidance in relation to neglect:

• The Southend, Essex and Thurrock (SET) Procedures
• The Pathway to Service Provision and Threshold for Intervention Guide
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)

Definition

Working Together to Safeguard Children describes neglect as:

The persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child's health or development.  Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse.  Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to:

• Provide adequate food, clothing or shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment)
• Protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger
• Ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate caregivers)
• Ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment

It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child's basic emotional needs.

The Southend, Essex and Thurrock (SET) Procedures say:

Neglect happens when parents or carers can’t or won’t meet a child’s needs. Sometimes this is because they don’t have the skills or support needed, and sometimes it’s due to other concerns such as complex mental health issues, drug and alcohol dependency or poverty.

What do professionals need to do?

Although you may be worried about a child, it’s not always easy for professionals to identify neglect. There’s often no single sign or incident that a child or family need help. It is more likely that there will be a number of concerns over a period of time that, considered together, demonstrate the child is at risk. If you think a child may be experiencing neglect, don’t wait:

Gather all relevant information about the child, including the parenting capacity and family and environmental factors in order to form a professional judgment on strengths, risks and harmful factors.

Regularly review progress using the Neglect Toolkit and update the multi-agency plan accordingly.

Professional judgement has to be exercised in determining the harm or potential harm caused to a child by neglect but you should always consult with your agency safeguarding lead and refer to the Thurrock Pathway to Service and Threshold for Intervention Guide which will help you determine what sort of professional intervention will best meet the needs of the child and family.

Available Support

Available Support 

Thurrock MASH – 01375 652802 

NSPCC – 0808 800 2222 

Thurrock LSCP Neglect Screening Tool 

Graded Care Profile 2 Assessment Tool 

Family Lives – 0808 8008 222 or www.familylives.org.uk, Email – askus@familylives.org.uk 

Childline – 0800 1111 or www.childline.org.uk - get help and advice about a wide range of issues, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.

Neglect Tool Kit

Thurrock LSCP were pleased to launch the Neglect Toolkit at our conference on the 26th April 2023.

A digital version of this, is available below

Introduction from Chair of Thurrock LSCP Neglect Group

Day in my Life

• Day in my Life Introduction
• Day in my Life - Unborn Baby
• Day in my Life - Baby
• Day in my Life - Preschool Child
• Day in my Life - Child
• Day in my Life - Child with Disabilities
• Day in my Life - Adolescent

What a child needs

• Guidance
• What a child needs - visual guide
• What a child needs - flashcards

Neglect Prompts

• Neglect Prompts

Neglect Screening Tool

• Screening Tool

Neglect Training

To find out more about this training or to book, please click here

Graded Care Profile 2 (GCP2) Training

Thurrock LSCP are offering practitioners the opportunity to undertake virtual Graded Care Profile 2 training.  For more information or to book, please visit our learning hub.

Seven Minute Briefing

We have prepared a 7 minute briefing as a quick and simple way to share learning.  This is available by clicking here.

Overview

As a statutory body, the LSCP has a requirement to meet certain procedural expectations.  In order to achieve this there are in place a number of policies, procedures and protocols to ensure that it meets both national, regional and local expectations.

This section of the website is predominately for professionals and agencies that work within the safeguarding arena so they are able to monitor the work of the LSCP.  It also provides to the community, the opportunity to see some of the inner workings of the LSCP and be a supportive observer.

Third Party Acknowledgement

Thurrock LSCP respect and acknowledge the rights of partner organisations for recognition of reports and documents either directly linked or forming a part of the content of this website. Where possible we will endorse or acknowledge individual organisations content in this section.

https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/2/

SET Procedures

SET Child Protection Procedures - updates May 2022

The SET (Southend, Essex and Thurrock) Safeguarding and Child Protection Procedures have been updated to reflect current practice and changes in legislation.  The main changes to note are the following:-

• Procedures updated in line with changes to Working Together 2018 (updated Dec 2020).
• Part A, Chapter 7 - Allegations against people who work with children, has been updated in line with Working Together and Keeping Children Safe in Education 2021.
• Part B, Chapter 19 - Perplexing Presentations and Fabricated or Induced Illness, has been re-written in line with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health guidance.
• Part B, Chapter 24 - Safeguarding Children from Exploitation, has been updated and links added to the SET Child Exploitation Partnership Pathway.

Whilst these are the main points, there is also a full list of changes with page numbers, should you require this which can be found here.  The full set procedures are available here.

When do the updated procedures come into effect?

The new procedures come into effect from Wednesday 4th May.  Can we please ask you to disregard any previous versions you may have saved.

We encourage all professionals or volunteers working with children and young people to familiarise themselves with the updated content, it is important to be comfortable with following the processes and understand what actions you need to take in various situations.

These procedures are a reference document, and we expect that you will refer to specific sections, rather than read it cover-to-cover.

If you would like to discuss the procedures in more detail, we suggest talking to your line manager in the first instance.

SET Protocol/Management of Suspicious Unexplained Injuries and Bruising in Children

Alongside the overarching SET procedures, there are some local Thurrock LSCP practice guidance and protocols that complement them.  One of these is the SET Protocol/Management of Suspicious Unexplained Injuries and Bruising in Children (May 2022)

SET Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Flowcharts

Please see below the SET FGM Pathways.

SET Health FGM Flowchart

SET Multi-Agency FGM Flowchart

Thurrock LSCP Learning and Improvement Framework

Our Learning and Improvement Framework for 2021 has been refreshed. 

This can be found by clicking here

Prevent

Prevent Duty Guidance

The Prevent Duty was published on 7th September 2023 and although the updated guidance places no new legal requirements or additional responsibilities on education settings, there are changes that the education sector should be aware of.

The updated guidance won’t come into effect until 31st December 2023 at the earliest.
Prevent duty guidance: England and Wales (2023) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Briefing notes

Links to briefing notes that provide more detail on specific changes and how they relate to each phase of education. They also cover some frequently asked questions.

Prevent videos

Risk Assessment Templates

Media Articles

Campaign Podcasts and Videos

Please see below our podcasts and videos relating to Online Child Exploitation.

Podcasts

A general overview of the internet

Parents of pre-schoolers and young children

Parents of pre-teens

Podcast - taking and sharing inappropriate images

Podcast - Online bullying

Videos

Breck's Last Game

A bad romance: a live Snapchat Story

Spot the signs of an unhealthy relationship

Kayleigh's Love Story

A film about aspects of the last 13 days of the life of 15 year old Kayleigh Haywood.  If shown in a cinema this would have a 15 certificate

Is she legal?

Reporting Concerns

You can report online abuse, below are a number of ways that this can be done - please click on the pictures

or

Alternatively, you can report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

If you are concerned about a child in Thurrock, call 01375 652802 or 01375 372468 (out of hours)

Water Safety - Be Prepared

Did you know?

• Around 85% of accidental drownings occur at open water sites
• Drowning is the second largest cause of injury related to death of children aged 0 to 14 years
• Nearly 1000 children due each year by drowning and they can drown in less than 2 inches (6 cm) of water
• Inflatable vests and arm devices are not effective, instead you should use life vests that are suitable for your children!

The basic principles of open water safety, combined with knowledge and understanding of the hazards, can increase the enjoyment of open water and significantly reduce the number of incidents that occur each year.

The benefits of swimming and dipping in open water are well documented. Not only does being in or on open water allow new adventures, it also has documented benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing. All of these hazards can be controlled through proper organisation and planning.

Useful Links

Below are some useful links

• Royal Life Saving Society UK Webpage
• Thurrock LSCP Water Safety Leaflet

Training Event Information

Please note that the courses within this section are Chargeable and full details can be found within the Thurrock LSCP Charging Policy

Can we please ask that when applying for one of the chargeable courses, you include the following information:-

• Purchase Order number (if applicable)
• Contact details of who the invoice should be sent to, including email address
• If the application is from a Thurrock Council employee, details of the relevant cost code for your department/team.

Charges

Below shows the standard charges for our courses, however, for Designated Safeguarding Leads, please refer to the course page which will detail the charge.

Designated Safeguarding Leads Initial Training - 2 day course

THIS IS A CHARGEABLE COURSE, FURTHER DETAILS ARE BELOW

This course is designed for those who are new to the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for child protection.  The course explores the role and the responsibilities of the DSL.  This course is suitable for Designed Safeguarding Leads, Senior and Middle Leaders.

Dates

• Monday 9th June 2025 and Tuesday 10th June 2025 - 09.00 till 16.00
• Monday 22nd September 2025 and Tuesday 23rd September 2025 - 09.00 till 16.00
• Thursday 15th January 2026 and Friday 16th January 2026 - 09.00 till 16.00
• Monday 15th June 2026 and Tuesday 16th June 2026 - 09.00 till 16.00

Aims:-

• To understand the statutory framework, legislation, policies and procedures to safeguard and promote the welfare of children
• To be aware of the full role and responsibilities of the Designated Safeguarding Lead
• To consider thresholds, including having an understanding of the definition of significant harm and when and how to make referrals
• To be aware of specific safeguarding concerns
• To have an understanding of effective safeguarding arrangements for schools and colleges

Additional Information

• There will be a charge for attending this training of £90.
• If you have been booked onto this training, you will receive an email from the LSCP Business Team providing you with details of how to access the course.

Declaration

1. I confirm that I have read the attendance criteria and learning outcomes for this course and I believe that I will significantly benefit from this learning.
2. I will take all necessary steps to ensure that the learning outcomes are reinforced in the workplace.
3. I agree to complete the post course feedback survey which will be sent out within 48 hours of the end of the training sessions and will also complete the follow up survey six weeks later.  I am aware that failure to complete either of these feedbacks will result in notification to my manager and I will not receive my Certificate of Attendance.
4. I understand that places will be allocated by Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership.

Designated Safeguarding Leads Refresher Training

THIS IS A CHARGEABLE COURSE, FURTHER DETAILS ARE BELOW

Target Audience:- Designated Safeguarding Leads

Prerequisite training:- Delegates must have completed the 2 Day DSL training

Time:- 09:00 till 16:00

Dates

Thursday 1st May 2025

Wednesday 1st October 2025

Tuesday 20th January 2026

Thursday 18th June 2028 

Aims:-

• To be updated on local and national practices and procedures
• To recap tasks relating to the DSL role
• To consider the assessment process and referrals through case studies
• To have an awareness of current safeguarding concerns and how to address them
• To review 'safe working practice' within their current setting and management of allegations
• To have an understanding of the lessons learnt from Safeguarding Practice Reviews

Additional Information

• There will be a charge for attending this training course of £60.00
• If you have been booked onto this training, you will receive an email from the LSCP Business Team providing you with details of how to access the course.

Declaration

1. I confirm that I have read the attendance criteria and learning outcomes for this course and I believe that I will significantly benefit from this learning.
2. I will take all necessary steps to ensure that the learning outcomes are reinforced in the workplace.
3. I agree to complete the post course feedback survey which will be sent out within 48 hours of the end of the training sessions and will also complete the follow up survey six weeks later.  I am aware that failure to complete either of these feedbacks will result in notification to my manager and I will not receive my Certificate of Attendance.
4. I understand that places will be allocated by Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership.   

Multi-Agency Safeguarding Children Training - Level 2/3

Tuesday 6th May 2025 - 09:00 till 16:00

Tuesday 30th September 2025 - 09:00 till 16:00

Wednesday 28th January 2026 - 09:00 till 16:00

Thursday 11th June 2026 - 09:00 till 16:00

THIS IS A CHARGEABLE COURSE, DETAILS CAN BE FOUND BELOW

Please note that this training will be held via MS Teams

Target Audience: suitable for anyone who works with children and/or their families (non-education staff) such as nurses, social workers, council staff, sports coaches. 

Prerequisite training: N/A

Time: Full Day

Aims:

• to help professionals and volunteers who work with children and families to understand their child protection responsibilities
• To gain an understanding of what is meant by safeguarding and promoting children's welfare
• To know how to recognise signs of abuse and neglect, how to respond, report and record concerns. 
• To consider how to safely work with children
• To know what to do if there was a concern about a member of staff or volunteer possibly posing a risk of harm to children
• To know what to do if there was a concern about unsafe practice in their place of work

Additional Information

• There will be a charge for attending this training, full details can be found in our charging policy
• If you have been booked onto this training, you will receive an email from the LSCP Business Team providing you with details of how to access the course.

Declaration

1. I confirm that I have read the attendance criteria and learning outcomes for this course and I believe that I will significantly benefit from this training.
2. I will take all necessary steps to ensure that the learning outcomes are reinforced in the workplace.
3. I agree to complete the post course feedback survey which will be sent out within 48 hours of the end of the training sessions and will also complete the follow up survey six weeks later.  I am aware that failure to complete either of these feedbacks will result in notification to my manager and I will not receive my Certificate of Attendance.
4. I understand that places will be allocated by Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership.

Charges:

Safeguarding Partner or Relevant Agency                              £50                                

Private/profit making organisation                                          £100                               

Voluntary/Charity/community                                                    £25

Full details of our charging policy can be found by clicking here

DATA PROTECTION

In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018, the information provided on this form will be held for the purposes of training and development.  This information will be stored securely in electronic format and any original hard copies disposed of as confidential waste.  The information will be processed by members of the LSCP Business Team and will be kept in accordance with retention policies.  It may be shared with other LSCP members for the purposes of audit and scrutiny.

Safer Recruitment Training

Wednesday 11th June 2025

Wednesday 12th November 2025

Tuesday 12th May 2026 

09.00 till 16.00

held via MS Teams

This is a Safer Recruitment Consortium accredited course

Target Audience:- Headteachers, Senior Leads, HR, Business Managers, Chair of Governors and any staff who may be part of the recruitment process.

Aims: Based on an understanding of offender behaviour to:

• Identify the key features of staff recruitment that helps deter or prevent the appointment of unsuitable people
• Consider policies and practice that minimises opportunities for abuse or ensure its prompt reporting
• Help participants begin to review their policies and practice in recruitment with a view to creating a safer culture

Please note that this is a charged course, with a cost of £50 per delegate.

Declaration:-

1. I confirm that I have read the attendance criteria (where applicable) and learning outcomes for this course and I believe that I will significantly benefit from this training.
2. I will take all necessary steps to ensure that the learning outcomes are reinforced in the work place.
3. I agree to complete the post course feedback survey which will be sent out within 48 hours of the end of the training sessions and will also complete the follow up survey six weeks later.  I am aware that failure to complete either of these feedbacks will result in notification to my manager and I will not receive my Certificate of Attendance.
4. I understand that places will be allocated by Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership.

Data Protection

In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018, the information provided on this form will be held for the purposes of training and development.  This information will be stored securely in electronic format and any original hard copies disposed of as confidential waste.  The information will be processed by members of the LSCP Business Team and will be kept in accordance with retention policies.  It may be shared with other LSCP members for the purposes of audit and scrutiny.

Training Event Information

Please click on the relevant links on the side bar to view the details of current programmes and the attendance criteria.

In most cases these programmes are designed to incorporate multi agency attendees in order to gain the maximum learning benefit.

Our programmes are primarily available for those who work with Thurrock Children.  On occasions where we have capacity for a wider audience, outside applications will be considered, but will incur a small course administration charge.

This section is regularly changing with new courses being updated. If you do not see a course shown please contact  interagencytraining@thurrock.gov.uk for further information.

Please note that whilst these courses are free, failure to attend without five working days notice will result in a £50 cancellation charge.  Full details are available within the Thurrock LSCP Learning and Development Events Programme Charging Policy

Child Protection (CP) Conference Training

• Thursday 19th June 2025 - 13:30 - 16:00 

Delivered at the Civic Offices, New Rd, Grays RM17 6SL

FREE Half Day

Multi-Agency Signs of Safety Course :-

Preparing for a Child Protection Conference using the Signs of Safety approach.

Who is this course for?

Training for all staff working with the children and young people of Thurrock with an active role in safeguarding

Signs of safety is Thurrock’s Model and Approach used within Children’s Social Care. This has radically changed the way we assess and manage risk and safeguarding of our young people.

All staff working in Children’s Services across the multi-agency partnership who have an active involvement within safeguarding should attend these sessions to learn about the programme, why it is being used and what it means for you.

Aims

You will know your roles and responsibilities

How to prepare for conference

What the parents and children’s expectations of you are

How to write a Danger Statement

What’s goes into a Sign Of Safety Conference report

Please note that whilst this training is free, failure to attend without 5 working days notice will result in a £50 non-attendance fee.

Common Assessment Framework (CAF) Training - Free Course

Thursday 3rd July 2025

Thursday 16th October 2025

Thursday 22nd January 2026

09.30 - 12.30

Via MS Teams

Thurrock LSCP are pleased to offer front line practitioners the opportunity to attend FREE CAF Training.

This course provides practitioners with the knowledge, skills and confidence to participate fully in assessment and referral processes using the Thurrock Signs of Safety Framework.

This course will enable you to understand:

• What a CAF pre-assessment checklist is and when to use it
• The key principles of and background to the CAF
• How to undertake a CAF following the Signs of Safety (SoS) practice model
• When and when not to undertake the CAF
• The main stages in completing a CAF
• Identifying what a good CAF assessment looks like
• How the CAF interfaces with other assessments
• How to use a CAF to inform a specialist assessment

This course is intended all children's workforce practitioners, i.e., all staff who work with children, young people and their families. 

To book onto this training, please click here

By submitting the application, you agree to the terms and conditions of the below declaration:-

1. I confirm that I have read the attendance criteria and learning outcomes and believe that I will significantly benefit from this learning and that I meet the criteria.
2. I will take all necessary steps to ensure that the learning outcomes are reinforced in the workplace.
3. My Line Manager has agreed to me undertaking this training.
4. I agree to complete initial feedback at the end of this training session and will complete the follow up feedback six weeks later.  I am aware that failure to complete either of these feedbacks will result in notification to my manager and I will not receive my certificate of attendance, which may affect my compliance to meet any statutory requirements.
5. I understand that places will be allocated by Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership.
6. I understand that my details may be securely and confidentially retained by Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership for statistical and information purposes only.
7. For non-chargeable courses, I agree to reimburse Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership for late cancellation or non-attendance, without 5 working days notice.

DATA PROTECTION

In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018, the information provided on this form will be held for the purposes of training and development.  This information will be stored securely in electronic format and any original hard copies disposed of as confidential waste.  The information will be processed by members of the LSCP Business Team and will be kept in accordance with retention policies.  It may be shared with other LSCP members for the purposes of audit and scrutiny.

Contextual Safeguarding Training - Safeguarding Adolescents Outside of the Family Home

Wednesday 18th June 2025

Thursday 2nd October 2025

Tuesday 10th February 2026

 Sessions are from 09.30 till 16.00 and will be held via MS Teams

Thurrock LSCP are pleased to offer practitioners the opportunity to attend our free training in relation to Contextual Safeguarding.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the Contextual Safeguarding approach, its history and current position within the safeguarding system
• Consider the developmental period of adolescence and types of harm that takes place outside of the family home
• Examine the use of these approaches in relation to peer on peer abuse and child exploitation using case studies
• Learn from current research and practice examples in implementing this approach
• Consider how to apply this approach to our own work
• Signpost to further learning and resources

Training Format

This training is scheduled for a whole day and will follow the below format:-

• Prior to the training, you will receive a Teams link to access the training and you will also receive a WeTransfer link which contains the training materials required for the course.
• At different points throughout the day, the Trainer will give you time to leave the training session and watch the relevant PowerPoint presentation you received previously - please note that you will need to play the presentation as a slide show as each presentation will contain a video of the Trainer providing a narrative to the presentation.  Can we please ask that when you receive the WeTransfer link, that you check that you are able to hear the video for each presentation.
• Once you have watched the presentation, you will re-join the training course where further discussions will take place and possibly some work being undertaken in breakout rooms.

Added Information:

• Your attendance at these sessions will be monitored and noted so that we can record that you have completed this training.

To book onto this training, please click here

By submitting the application, you agree to the terms and conditions of the below declaration:-

1. I confirm that I have read the attendance criteria and learning outcomes and believe that I will significantly benefit from this learning and that I meet the criteria.
2. I will take all necessary steps to ensure that the learning outcomes are reinforced in the workplace.
3. My Line Manager has agreed to me undertaking this training.
4. I agree to complete initial feedback at the end of this training session and will complete the follow up feedback six weeks later.  I am aware that failure to complete either of these feedbacks will result in notification to my manager and I will not receive my certificate of attendance, which may affect my compliance to meet any statutory requirements.
5. I understand that places will be allocated by Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership.
6. I understand that my details may be securely and confidentially retained by Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership for statistical and information purposes only.
7. For non-chargeable courses, I agree to reimburse Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership for late cancellation or non-attendance, without 5 working days notice.

DATA PROTECTION

In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018, the information provided on this form will be held for the purposes of training and development.  This information will be stored securely in electronic format and any original hard copies disposed of as confidential waste.  The information will be processed by members of the LSCP Business Team and will be kept in accordance with retention policies.  It may be shared with other LSCP members for the purposes of audit and scrutiny.

Diversity Matters

Diversity Matters

Date:

• 8 July 2025
• 1 October 2025
• 3 March 2026

Delivered Via MS Teams

Delivered by: Diversity Role Models is a dynamic charity whose vision is a world where everyone embraces diversity and can thrive. Our mission is to promote understanding and acceptance of individual differences and end LGBTQ+ bullying in schools and wider communities. We do this by harnessing the power of storytelling and delivering pioneering educational workshops.

Target Audience: All practitioners working children, young people and families

Course Aim (description): The session will cover knowledge of different identities and experiences in the LGBTQ+ community; multiple identities and communities and protection from discrimination under the Equality Act 2010; fostering good relationships between communities as to create a thriving and safe wider community for everyone; the impact of language, bias, and prejudice on inclusion; how to feel confident and be inclusive in challenging situations; being an upstander and active ally to LGBTQ+ inclusion and inclusion in general, individually and collectively. The session will include open discussion and the lived experience of diverse role models covering the impact of discrimination and the value of allyship, allowing the audience to ask questions to facilitators and members of the community.

Learning Outcomes: Upon completion, participants will feel confident to talk about sexual orientation and gender identity; engage with people from diverse communities and with multiple identities; and recognise and challenge homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic incidents. Participants will have a more in depth understanding of bias and learn how to embed inclusion into their practice.

To Book Please Click Here

Domestic Abuse and Stalking Awareness Session

Thurrock Community Safety Partnership have commissioned the above free awareness sessions.  

This is being delivered by Changing Pathways on:

Future Dates Coming Soon

All sessions will be from 09:30 till 12:30 via MS Teams.

The session will include information on:-

• What is Domestic Abuse and Stalking?
• The signs of Domestic Abuse and Stalking.
• The effects of trauma.
• What risk assessments are used and why.
• Safety Plans - Features
• The work they do with survivors
• Recording client conversations
• How to hand a disclosure of abuse/stalking

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS SESSION IS ONLY OPEN TO COLLEAGUES WHO WORK OR PROVIDE A SERVICE WITHIN THURROCK

To book your place, please click on the link here.

Whilst this training is free, failure to attend without five working days notice will result in a £50 non-attendance fee.

DECLARATION:-

1. I confirm that I have read the attendance criteria and learning outcomes for this course and believe that I will significantly benefit from this learning and that I meet the criteria.
2. I will take all necessary steps to ensure that the learning outcomes are reinforced in the workplace.
3. My Line Manager has agreed to me attending this training.
4. I agree to complete the post course feedback at the end of the training session.  I am aware that failure to complete this feedback will result in notification to my Manager and I will not receive my certificate of attendance.
5. I understand that places will be allocated by Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership.  I also understand that my details may be securely and confidentially retained by Thurrock Safeguarding Children Partnership for statistical and information purposes only.
6. For non chargeable courses, I agree to reimburse Thurrock Safeguarding Children Partnership/Thurrock Community Safety Partnership for late cancellation or non-attendance, without 5 working days notice.

DATA PROTECTION

In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018, the information provided on this form will be held for the purposes of training and development.  This information will be stored securely in electronic format and any original hard copies disposed of as confidential waste. The information will be processed by members of the LSCP Business Team and will be kept in accordance with retention policies.  It may be shared with other LSCP members for the purposes of audit and scrutiny.

Gangs, Exploitation and Serious Youth Violence - The Thurrock Landscape - session for practitioners

19 June 2025

18 September 2025

4 December 2025

All sessions - 10:00 till 12:00

Via - MS Teams

Thurrock LSCP are pleased to offer practitioners the chance to attend a free half day training session offering insight to professionals across Thurrock into working effectively with young people at risk of, and involved with gangs, criminal exploitation and serious youth violence.  

Gaining awareness of this local and national picture, what is available and all other associated risks - including the importance of working together, information sharing and balancing safeguarding concerns along with managing risk.

Please note that whilst this training is free, failure to attend without five working days notice will result in a £50 non attendance fee.

By submitting the application, you agree to the terms and conditions of the below declaration:-

1. I confirm that I have read the attendance criteria and learning outcomes for this course and believe that I will significantly benefit from this learning and that I meet the criteria.
2. I will take all necessary steps to ensure that the learning outcomes are reinforced in the workplace.
3. My Line Manager has agreed to me attending this training.
4. I agree to complete post course feedback which will be emailed through to me within 48 hours of the end of this training and will also complete the follow up survey six weeks later.  I am aware that failure to complete either of these feedbacks will result in notification to my manager and I will not receive my Certificate of Attendance, which may affect my compliance to meet any statutory requirements.
5. I understanding that places will be allocated by Thurrock Safeguarding Children Partnership.  I understand that my details may be securely and confidentially retained by Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership for statistical and information purposes only.

Data Protection

In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018, the information provided on this form will be held for the purposes of training and development.  This information will be stored securely in electronic format and any original hard copies disposed of as confidential waste.  The information will be processed by members of the LSCP Business Team and will be kept in accordance with retention policies.  It may be shared with other LSCP members for the purposes of audit and scrutiny.

Graded Care Profile 2 Training

Thurrock LSCP are pleased to offer you the opportunity to attend FREE  training in relation to Graded Care Profile 2.  

Thursday 3rd April 2025 - 09:00 -  16:00 - South Essex College 

The Graded Care Profile 2 helps Practitioners measure the quality of care being given to a child.  It is an assessment tool that helps them to spot anything that is putting that child at risk of harm.

It is important we find children who are at risk of harm as early as possible so we can get them the right help.

 Graded Care Profile 2 shows:-

• Strengths
• Weaknesses
• What needs to be changed

By working out what parents can do better, it is easier for the person working with a family to get them the right support to improve the life of their child.

Practitioners are specially trained to use the tool.  They visit families at home to do an assessment, which is a bit like filling in a questionnaire.  It is called Graded Care Profile because different aspects of family life are 'graded' on a scale of 1 to 5.  Questions are broken down into four areas:-

• physical, such as quality of food, clothes and health
• safety, such as how safe the home is and if the child knows about things like road safety
• love, such as the relationship between the carer and child
• esteem, such as if a child is encouraged to learn and if they are praised for doing something good.

Graded Care Profile 2 is designed to be used with families where someone is concerned about the care of a child.

Thurrock LSCP are offering this training to anyone working with children and young people that need to assess neglect.

Please note that whilst this training is free, failure to attend without five working days notice will result in a £50 charge.

By submitting the application you agree to the terms and conditions of the below declaration.

To book onto this training, please click here.

Declaration

1.  I confirm that I have read the attendance criteria and learning outcomes for this course and believe that I will significantly benefit from this learning.

2. I will take all necessary steps to ensure that the learning outcomes are reinforced in the workplace.

3. My Line Manager has agreed to me attending this training.

4. I agree to complete post course feedback at the end of this training session and will complete the follow up survey six weeks later.  I am aware that failure to complete either of these feedbacks will result in notification to my manager and I will not receive my certificate of attendance, which may affect my compliance to meet any statutory requirements.

5. I understand that places will be allocated by Thurrock Safeguarding Children Partnership and, should I be allocated a place, agree to bring the confirmation letter with me on the first day of the course. I understand that my details may be securely and confidentially retained by Thurrock Safeguarding Children Partnership for statistical and information purposes only.

6. For non-chargeable courses, I agree to reimburse Thurrock Safeguarding Children Partnership for late cancellation or non-attendance, without five working days notice.

DATA PROTECTION

In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018, the information provided on this form will be held for the purposes of training and development.  This information will be stored securely in electronic format and any original hard copies disposed of as confidential waste.  The information will be processed by members of the LSCP Business Team and will be kept in accordance with retention policies.  It may be shared with other LSCP members for the purposes of audit and scrutinty.

Managing Stress and Building Resilience in teams, A Course for Staff with Line Management Responsibilities - A Course for Managers

Future Dates Coming soon

via MS Teams

View & Book

Thurrock LSCP are pleased to offer Managers the opportunity attend this free training. 

This course has been developed for Managers to support understanding and recognition of the impact of stress on wellbeing, including the potential for Vicarious and Secondary Trauma.  For staff working with a traumatised population, Rachel Remen describes the inevitable impact as .... "It's like walking through water and expecting not to get wet"

Research has shown that there are techniques and support strategies that Managers and organisations can take to decrease likelihood of Vicarious and Secondary Trauma, increase resilience and wellbeing and improve staff wellbeing, performance and retention.

This course will cover:

• What scientific evidence has taught us about stress in the mind and body
• How managers can significantly influence the stress levels in their teams
• What we mean by the terms Burnout, Secondary Trauma, Vicarious Trauma, Moral Injury and how to recognise and reduce it
• Who in the team might be vulnerable to secondary trauma and high stress levels and and how we can support the team effectively
• We will share good practice suggestions for managers from “checking in” to building positivity in the team
• We will practice techniques to support ourselves to increase our own resilience to stress
• How to access the "rest and repair" part of our nervous system for improved short and long term mental and physical health

This course will take place via Teams and will be a mixture of pre-recorded material, a handbook and live interactive sessions.

Please note that whilst this course is free, failure to attend without 5 working days notice will result in a £50 non attendance fee.

To book onto this training, please click here

View & Book

By submitting the application, you agree to the terms and conditions of the below declaration:-

1. I confirm that I have read the attendance criteria and learning outcomes and believe that I will significantly benefit from this learning and that I meet the criteria.
2. I will take all necessary steps to ensure that the learning outcomes are reinforced in the workplace.
3. My Line Manager has agreed to me undertaking this training.
4. I agree to complete initial feedback at the end of this training session and will complete the follow up feedback six weeks later.  I am aware that failure to complete either of these feedbacks will result in notification to my manager and I will not receive my certificate of attendance, which may affect my compliance to meet any statutory requirements.
5. I understand that places will be allocated by Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership.
6. I understand that my details may be securely and confidentially retained by Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership for statistical and information purposes only.
7. For non-chargeable courses, I agree to reimburse Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership for late cancellation or non-attendance, without 5 working days notice.

DATA PROTECTION

In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018, the information provided on this form will be held for the purposes of training and development.  This information will be stored securely in electronic format and any original hard copies disposed of as confidential waste.  The information will be processed by members of the LSCP Business Team and will be kept in accordance with retention policies.  It may be shared with other LSCP members for the purposes of audit and scrutiny.

View & Book

Managing Stress and Building Resilience – A Course for Multi-Agency Staff

Wednesday 4th June 2025

Tuesday 17th March 2026

HALF DAY! 09.30 till 12.30

via MS Teams

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This course has been developed to support understanding, recognition and management of the  impact of stress on wellbeing and mental health.  We will consider and practice a variety of ways to reduce stress and resilience, taking a mind and body approach.  Using current research, we will explore simple and easy techniques which can be implemented in your day to day routines, including how to reduce the risk of burnout and vicarious and secondary Trauma.

"Its like walking through water and expecting not to get wet" Rachel Remen

This course will cover

• What scientific evidence has taught us about stress manifests in the mind and body
• How our work can impact on our stress levels, including working with other people's stress and trauma.
• We will define the terms Burnout, Secondary Trauma, Vicarious Trauma, and Moral Injury and how and why people might experience these states
• How we might recognise the symptoms in ourselves and colleagues
• What good practice tells us about support for staff, personally and organisationally
• We will practice techniques to support ourselves to increase our own resilience to stress
• How to access the "rest and repair" part of our nervous system for improved short and long term mental and physical health

This course will cover both theory and physical practice and will be delivered through a mix of pre recorded material and live sessions in Teams.

Please note that whilst this course is free, failure to attend without five working days notice will result in a £50 non attendance fee.

To book onto this training, please click here

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By submitting the application, you agree to the terms and conditions of the below declaration:-

1. I confirm that I have read the attendance criteria and learning outcomes and believe that I will significantly benefit from this learning and that I meet the criteria.
2. I will take all necessary steps to ensure that the learning outcomes are reinforced in the workplace.
3. My Line Manager has agreed to me undertaking this training.
4. I agree to complete initial feedback at the end of this training session and will complete the follow up feedback six weeks later.  I am aware that failure to complete either of these feedbacks will result in notification to my manager and I will not receive my certificate of attendance, which may affect my compliance to meet any statutory requirements.
5. I understand that places will be allocated by Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership.
6. I understand that my details may be securely and confidentially retained by Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership for statistical and information purposes only.
7. For non-chargeable courses, I agree to reimburse Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership for late cancellation or non-attendance, without 5 working days notice.

DATA PROTECTION

In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018, the information provided on this form will be held for the purposes of training and development.  This information will be stored securely in electronic format and any original hard copies disposed of as confidential waste.  The information will be processed by members of the LSCP Business Team and will be kept in accordance with retention policies.  It may be shared with other LSCP members for the purposes of audit and scrutiny.

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Mental Capacity Act Training (MCA)

New dates coming soon....

Time 09:30 – 16:00

Venue: Thurrock Council, Civic Offices, New Rd, RM17 6SL 

The Mental Capacity Act (MCA) is a vitally important piece of legislation, and one that makes a real difference to the lives of people who may lack mental capacity. It empowers people to make decisions for themselves wherever possible and protects people who lack capacity by providing a flexible framework that places individuals at the very heart of the decision-making process.  It ensures that they participate as much as possible in any decisions made on their behalf, and that these are made in their best interests.

This MCA applies to people aged 16 and over and this training is specifically aimed at practitioners working with young adults transitioning into Adult Social Care Services. This course is suitable for: All managers and practitioners working with children, adults and families.

Topics covered:

• The 5 Principles of the MCA
• What is meant by lack of capacity and how to assess capacity
• How to make best interest interests decisions
• Understanding when to involve Adult Safeguarding Services and the threshold for intervention under s.42 of the Care Act
• Protection for those providing care and treatment under the MCA
• Restraint and Restriction and when this amounts to a Deprivation of Liberty
• Substituted decision making powers, such as AD, LPAs and deputes appointed by the Court of Protection
• Understanding when you need to involve an IMCA
• Understanding when cases need to go to the Court of Protection and when to seek further advice

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Modern Day Slavery and Human Trafficking - Free Training

Future Dates Coming Soon

10.00 till 12.00

via MS Teams

Thurrock Community Safety Partnership and Thurrock Adults Safeguarding Board are delighted to offer free awareness training on the topic of Modern Day Slavery and Human Trafficking.  Delivered by colleagues at Essex Police the training will cover the following:-

• Organised Crime Group
• Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Overview
• Types of exploitation
• Signs of exploitation
• Victim barriers
• National Referral Mechanism/reporting concerns

To book, please click here

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DECLARATION:-

1. I confirm that I have read the attendance criteria and learning outcomes for this course and believe that I will significantly benefit from this learning and that I meet the criteria.
2. I will take all necessary steps to ensure that the learning outcomes are reinforced in the workplace.
3. My Line Manager has agreed to me attending this training.
4. I agree to complete the post course feedback at the end of the training session.  I am aware that failure to complete this feedback will result in notification to my Manager and I will not receive my certificate of attendance.
5. I understand that places will be allocated by Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership.  I also understand that my details may be securely and confidentially retained by Thurrock Safeguarding Children Partnership for statistical and information purposes only.
6. For non chargeable courses, I agree to reimburse Thurrock Safeguarding Children Partnership/Thurrock Community Safety Partnership for late cancellation or non-attendance, without 5 working days notice.

DATA PROTECTION

In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018, the information provided on this form will be held for the purposes of training and development.  This information will be stored securely in electronic format and any original hard copies disposed of as confidential waste. The information will be processed by members of the LSCP Business Team and will be kept in accordance with retention policies.  It may be shared with other LSCP members for the purposes of audit and scrutiny.

Proactively Engaging Families who are uncertain (A Multi-Agency Approach) - Free training

Future Dates Coming Soon

09.00 till 16.30

MS Teams

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Course Outline:

Working with a diverse range of families and/or communities, can pose a series of difficulties and challenges for individuals working in the wide range of children’s social care, public, private and third sector settings.

Whilst it is important to be vigilant to the small number of families who may be trying to deflect the attention of professionals away from deliberate harm being caused to a child, it is far more likely that behaviour that appears evasive, aggressive or to constitute disguised compliance it is far more likely that what is being seen is a result of families being nervous, afraid or reluctant to engage with professionals for a wide range of complex reasons such as previous poor experiences, fear, shame, pride, cultural differences or lack of awareness as to what the role of professionals might be. These responses often increase when moving from early help through the stages of child in need, child protection or care proceedings as families fear the consequences of statutory interventions.

Professionals need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills required to support families that are struggling to engage with services, to enable and empower, and where appropriate, de-escalate difficult interactions whilst still remaining focused on safeguarding the child. This programme explores the reasons people struggle to engage, looking at their situation through their lens and how to employ a range of person-centred and strengths-based skills to enable effective relational interventions to take place. Delegates will be prompted to consider the rights of individuals not to engage if they have capacity and the balance this creates between the right of individuals to make unwise decisions and the duty to protect children. Finally, delegates will have the opportunity to practice the skills involved in having difficult conversations and de-escalating potentially challenging interactions in practice.

Learning Methods

This training is delivered using an online interactive classroom approach and all delegates will be expected to take part to ensure an effective adult learning experience. Using whiteboards and breakout rooms, a combination of learning methods will be used throughout the day, including trainer presentation and group work in the form of case studies and reflection dilemmas to support application to practice. Local templates and expectations will be embedded in the programme where required and appropriate.

Learning Outcomes

This course will provide participants with the following learning outcomes:

• The opportunity to explore and understand why individuals and families may find it difficult to engage with professionals and some of the tools for over-coming this barrier.
• The skills to have difficult and challenging conversations with families engaged with services.
• The knowledge and skills for de-escalating a high risk situation should it occur.

Delegate Requirements

All delegates will need access to a laptop/desktop for the whole session, a functioning microphone and camera, and a strong stable internet connection to allow effective participation. Delegates will need a quiet place to work, largely free of interruptions so they can unmute to contribute.

Delegates will need to be present for the entire session unless by arrangement, this is to maximise their own learning and not detract from the experience of others. Where courses include a request for skills practice (i.e., Court Skills or Motivational Interviewing) taking part in the practice element of the course is mandatory.

Where possible delegates should be using the Microsoft Teams Desktop App and have ensured it is fully updated. Laptops/Desktops should have an up-to-date Browser such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge other browsers are not fully supported.

The pre-course materials will be sent to you prior to the training and it is advised that these are downloaded prior to the course and they will need them accessible on the day.

Please note – for health and safety reasons it is not appropriate to access these courses from a mobile phone. Whilst tablets can be used; delegates will find a laptop/desktop is easier as functionality on tablets are still limited.

Programme Outline

The programme for the session can be found by clicking here

To book onto this training, please click here

View & Book

By submitting the application, you agree to the terms and conditions of the below declaration:-

1. I confirm that I have read the attendance criteria and learning outcomes and believe that I will significantly benefit from this learning and that I meet the criteria.
2. I will take all necessary steps to ensure that the learning outcomes are reinforced in the workplace.
3. My Line Manager has agreed to me undertaking this training.
4. I agree to complete initial feedback at the end of this training session and will complete the follow up feedback six weeks later.  I am aware that failure to complete either of these feedbacks will result in notification to my manager and I will not receive my certificate of attendance, which may affect my compliance to meet any statutory requirements.
5. I understand that places will be allocated by Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership.
6. I understand that my details may be securely and confidentially retained by Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership for statistical and information purposes only.
7. For non-chargeable courses, I agree to reimburse Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership for late cancellation or non-attendance, without 5 working days notice.

DATA PROTECTION

In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018, the information provided on this form will be held for the purposes of training and development.  This information will be stored securely in electronic format and any original hard copies disposed of as confidential waste.  The information will be processed by members of the LSCP Business Team and will be kept in accordance with retention policies.  It may be shared with other LSCP members for the purposes of audit and scrutiny.

Professional Curiosity in a multi-agency context - Free Training

Future Dates Coming Soon

09.30 till 16.30

MS Teams

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Course Outline:

A lack of Professional Curiosity across public and third sector organisations is often highlighted in Serious Case Reviews as a key factor in professionals not having safeguarded vulnerable children and adults as effectively as they could have. This multi-agency training event brings together colleagues from across the area to work together in increasing their collective ability to be professionally curious. This course takes a strengths-based systemic approach, that is underpinned by the concept that professionals working together and communicating effectively within a culture of supportive peer challenge can achieve a holistic response to children and their families that maximises the positives and proactively reduces and manages risk.

This course will encourage delegates to consider how they can critically reflect and analyse situations to understand what is happening in a family rather than making assumptions and taking situations at face value. The course covers factors that support and promote professional curiosity in practice as well as identifying obstacles to professional curiosity and practical strategies to ensure that curiosity is maintained and utilised in all areas of practice. Areas included using genograms, ecomaps and a think family approach, maximising effective multi-agency working by creating opportunities to co-work, communicate and challenge and raising awareness of professional grooming, boundaries and transference that can hamper professional curiosity. The overarching framework for this approach is the Signs of Safety Model adopted by Thurrock which promotes professional curiosity as a core value, a tool and an approach to safeguarding children.

This course briefly explores using professional curiosity to engage families reluctant to work with professionals, which is covered in more detail in the ‘Successfully engaging families who are reluctant to work with services’ course.

Learning Methods:

This training is delivered using an online interactive classroom approach and all delegates will be expected to take part to ensure an effective adult learning experience. Using whiteboards and breakout rooms, a combination of learning methods will be used throughout the day, including trainer presentation and group work in the form of case studies and reflection dilemmas to support application to practice. Local templates and expectations will be embedded in the programme where required and appropriate.

Learning Outcomes:

This course will provide participants with the following learning outcomes:

• To understand what professional curiosity looks like and why it matters.
• To understand what promotes or hinders professional curiosity.
• To use professional curiosity to have empathy for families struggling to engage and support them to do so.
• To be able to utilise a range of tools that increase curiosity when working with families including:
• The signs of safety framework
• 3-generation genograms/eco-maps
• Systemic approaches to understanding risk
• How to triangulate information to identify risks and strengths
• To feel empowered to challenge other services constructively and in a way that is effective in increasing collective professional curiosity

Delegate Requirements

All delegates will need access to a laptop/desktop for the whole session, a functioning microphone and camera, and a strong stable internet connection to allow effective participation. Delegates will need a quiet place to work, largely free of interruptions so they can unmute to contribute.

Delegates will need to be present for the entire session unless by arrangement, this is to maximise their own learning and not detract from the experience of others. Where courses include a request for skills practice (i.e., Court Skills or Motivational Interviewing) taking part in the practice element of the course is mandatory.

Where possible delegates should be using the Microsoft Teams Desktop App and have ensured it is fully updated. Laptops/Desktops should have an up-to-date Browser such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge other browsers are not fully supported.

The pre-course materials will be sent to you prior to the training and it is advised that these are downloaded prior to the course and they will need them accessible on the day.

Please note – for health and safety reasons it is not appropriate to access these courses from a mobile phone. Whilst tablets can be used; delegates will find a laptop/desktop is easier as functionality on tablets are still limited.

Programme Outline

The programme for the session can be found by clicking here

To book onto this training, please click here

View & Book

By submitting the application, you agree to the terms and conditions of the below declaration:-

1. I confirm that I have read the attendance criteria and learning outcomes and believe that I will significantly benefit from this learning and that I meet the criteria.
2. I will take all necessary steps to ensure that the learning outcomes are reinforced in the workplace.
3. My Line Manager has agreed to me undertaking this training.
4. I agree to complete initial feedback at the end of this training session and will complete the follow up feedback six weeks later.  I am aware that failure to complete either of these feedbacks will result in notification to my manager and I will not receive my certificate of attendance, which may affect my compliance to meet any statutory requirements.
5. I understand that places will be allocated by Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership.
6. I understand that my details may be securely and confidentially retained by Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership for statistical and information purposes only.
7. For non-chargeable courses, I agree to reimburse Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership for late cancellation or non-attendance, without 5 working days notice.

DATA PROTECTION

In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018, the information provided on this form will be held for the purposes of training and development.  This information will be stored securely in electronic format and any original hard copies disposed of as confidential waste.  The information will be processed by members of the LSCP Business Team and will be kept in accordance with retention policies.  It may be shared with other LSCP members for the purposes of audit and scrutiny.

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Recognising and Responding to Child Sexual Abuse in the Family Environment

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Signs of Safety 1 day training - FREE COURSE

Tuesday 4th March 2025

via MS Teams - 09.30 till 12.30

‘Signs of Safety' is a relationship grounded, strengths orientated approach that was originally developed to support effective Child Protection practice.

 This is a one day course for anyone working with children and families;

for example:

• A Lead Professional, involved in Team Around a Family or Family Network meetings, attending Child Protection Conferences or Core Groups working with children and young people who are in care, involved with Think Family or safeguarding services.

Learning Outcomes

• Be familiar with the principles and disciplines underpinning Signs of Safety
• Understand how to use the Signs of Safety approach including assessment and analysis (mapping) with children, young people, families and colleagues
• Consider how you may be able to support
• Be familiar with a range of tools and methods to actively involve children, young people and families in assessment and planning so that their voice and experience is central to the process
• Have considered how you could use the Signs of Safety approach

• This training will be offered online via MS Teams
• Participants will be sent a link to access the training and training materials including handouts and links to other resources
• This is an interactive training where participants are encouraged to consider how the content and process can apply to their own experience.  We will also use breakout rooms for shared discussion and reflection

Further information can be found at www.signsofsafety.net

To book onto this training, please click here

Please note that whilst this training is free, failure to attend without five working days notice will result in a £50 non attendance fee.

By submitting the application, you agree to the terms and conditions of the below declaration:-

1. I confirm that I have read the attendance criteria and learning outcomes for this course and believe that I will significantly benefit from this learning and that I meet the criteria.
2. I will take all necessary steps to ensure that the learning outcomes are reinforced in the workplace.
3. My Line Manager has agreed to me attending this training.
4. I agree to complete post course feedback which will be emailed through to me within 48 hours of the end of this training and will also complete the follow up survey six weeks later.  I am aware that failure to complete either of these feedbacks will result in notification to my manager and I will not receive my Certificate of Attendance, which may affect my compliance to meet any statutory requirements.
5. I understanding that places will be allocated by Thurrock Safeguarding Children Partnership.  I understand that my details may be securely and confidentially retained by Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership for statistical and information purposes only.

Data Protection

In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018, the information provided on this form will be held for the purposes of training and development.  This information will be stored securely in electronic format and any original hard copies disposed of as confidential waste.  The information will be processed by members of the LSCP Business Team and will be kept in accordance with retention policies.  It may be shared with other LSCP members for the purposes of audit and scrutiny.

Think Family Training - Free Event

Future Dates to be Arrange

via MS Teams

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This free course is intended for all children's workforce practitioners (all staff who work with children, young people and their families).

Providing the knowledge, skills and confidence in understanding the Think Family approach adopted by Thurrock Children Services as an overarching principle.

This course will enable you to understand the key principles and background to the Think Family approach including:

• Knowledge around relationship and evidence-based interventions used with children and families
• Introduction to parenting support being provided, including the importance of including fathers
• Overview of parenting assessment templates used within Thurrock Children Services
• To develop an understanding of the importance of Family Network Meetings considering a Signs of Safety (SoS) practice model
• An awareness of 'family time' supervised contact for children and their families.

Please note that whilst this training is free, failure to attend without 5 working days notice will result in a £50 charge.

To book onto this training, please click here

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By submitting the application, you agree to the terms and conditions of the below declaration:

1. I confirm that I have read the attendance criteria and learning outcomes and believe that I will significantly benefit from this learning and that I meet the criteria.
2. I will take all necessary steps to ensure that the learning outcomes are reinforced in the workplace.
3. My Line Manager has agreed to me undertaking this training.
4. I agree to complete initial feedback at the end of this training session and will complete the follow up feedback six weeks later.  I am aware that failure to complete either of these feedbacks will result in notification to my manager and I will not receive my certificate of attendance, which may affect my compliance to meet any statutory requirements.
5. I understand that places will be allocated by Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership.
6. I understand that my details may be securely and confidentially retained by Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership for statistical and information purposes only.
7. For non-chargeable courses, I agree to reimburse Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership for late cancellation or non-attendance, without 5 working days notice.

DATA PROTECTION

In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018, the information provided on this form will be held for the purposes of training and development.  This information will be stored securely in electronic format and any original hard copies disposed of as confidential waste.  The information will be processed by members of the LSCP Business Team and will be kept in accordance with retention policies.  It may be shared with other LSCP members for the purposes of audit and scrutiny.

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Trauma Informed Practice Training

Wednesday 7th May 2025

Tuesday 9th September 2025

Thursday 22nd January 2026

Wednesday 4th March 2026

09.30 TILL 16.00

VIA MS TEAMS

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Thurrock LSCP are pleased to be able to offer you the opportunity to undertake FREE Trauma Informed Practice Training.

Here is what some people have said about this course

 “ I absolutely loved this training”,  “ very relevant and beneficial”

 In this course we will look at

• What is trauma and how does that differ to ACES
• How do these fear states do to our nervous system and developing brain
• What does Trauma Informed Practice mean to the way we work
• How do people recover from trauma
• What techniques can we use at each stage of recovery to support adults and children along the process.
• What are they symptoms of Secondary and Vicarious trauma in staff and how to minimise the risks

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By submitting the application, you agree to the terms and conditions of the below declaration:-

DECLARATION

1. I confirm that I have read the attendance criteria and learning outcomes and believe that I will significantly benefit from this learning and that I meet the criteria.
2. I will take all necessary steps to ensure that the learning outcomes are reinforced in the workplace.
3. My Line Manager has agreed to me undertaking this training.
4. I agree to complete initial feedback at the end of this training session and will complete the follow up survey six weeks later.  I am aware that failure to complete either of these feedbacks will result in notification to my manager and I will not receive my certificate of attendance, which may affect my compliance to meet any statutory requirements.
5. I understand that places will be allocated by Thurrock Safeguarding Children Partnership.
6. I understand that my details may be securely and confidentially retained by Thurrock Safeguarding Children Partnership for statistical and information purposes only.
7. For non-chargeable courses, I agree to reimburse Thurrock Safeguarding Children Partnership for late cancellation or non-attendance, without 5 working days notice.

DATA PROTECTION

In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018, the information provided on this form will be held for the purposes of training and development.  This information will be stored securely in electronic format and any original hard copies disposed of as confidential waste.  The information will be processed by members of the LSCP Business Team and will be kept in accordance with retention policies.  It may be shared with other LSCP members for the purposes of audit and scrutiny.

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Visiting Thurrock Refuge

What is a refuge? 

A refuge is a safe house where women and children who are experiencing domestic abuse can stay.

What is it like to stay in a refuge?

This is an opportunity for professionals working in Thurrock to visit the local refuge.  Attendees will be shown around and get a clearer picture of refuge life.  The host will detail how the process works from a victim entering and their journey whilst staying at the refuge. 

This visiting opportunity is available to those who may have involvement with women or children experiencing domestic abuse, for example referring a women to a refuge or those who may have to offer other types of support to women or children experiencing domestic abuse or residing in refuge.

Please note that the exact address will be provided nearer the date of the visit, the location is within Grays.

Dates

There are currently no new dates arranged for this.

Spaces will be limited to five people per session.

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DATA PROTECTION

In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018, the information provided on this form will be held for the purposes of training and development.  This information will be stored securely in electronic format and any original hard copies disposed of as confidential waste.  The information will be processed by members of the LSCP Business Team and will be kept in accordance with retention policies.  It may be shared with other LSCP members for the purposes of audit and scrutiny.

Working Effectively with Children in Situations of Neglect

Thurrock LSCP are pleased to offer practitioners the opportunity to attend this FREE two day neglect course.  This training will take place across non consecutive days and you must attend both sessions in full

Tuesday 21st January and Tuesday 11th February 2025 

All sessions will be from 09.00 till 16.30 and will be held via MS Teams.

Course Outline:

The impact of neglect can be far reaching for the child or young person, from developmental delay to child sexual exploitation, serious medical issues or mental health concerns.  With an estimated 1 in 10 children experiencing neglect, 29,000 children in 2019/2020 being registered on a Child Protection Plan with Neglect as the primary reason and 23,000 cases of child cruelty being recorded by the Police, the NSPCC highlights neglect as a significant risk to the wellbeing and safety of Children in the UK.  Neglect was also a feature in 35% of fatal Serious Case Reviews (NSPCC 2021).  It is therefore vital that staff are able to identify, intervene and safeguard children and young people where neglect may be an issue.

Utilising DfE (2014), NSPCC (2015), Children's Society (2016) and Nice Guidance (2017), this two day-Programme aims to support staff to develop the knowledge and skills needed to not only recognise neglect but to effectively assess and support children who may be living in situations of neglect, as well as to know when and how to escalate concerns.  This will briefly include an explanation of the Graded Care Profile 2 Tool; however, this training does not duplicate the GCP2 training or equip participants to use the tool.  This course covers how to evidence cumulative harm where it is necessary to demonstrate the impact neglect is having on a child over time.

Learning Outcomes

Participants completing this course will be able to:

• Give and understand a comprehensive definition of what constitutes neglect
• Understand types of neglect and the implications for child development
• Recognise signs of neglect using child development/attachment theories
• Understand the impact on children living in low-warmth, high criticism families
• Understanding cumulative neglect and the impact on development/attachment
• Identify strategies for intervening in neglect cases
• Be able to understand an accurate assessment of good enough parenting
• Understand the legal context for intervening in neglect cases

To book onto this training, please click here.  Please note that you will need to be available to attend both sessions of the training.  Failure to attend both days will result in a £50 non-attendance charge.

Learning Methods

 This training is delivered using an online interactive classroom approach and all delegates will be expected to take part to ensure an effective adult learning experience. Using whiteboards and breakout rooms, a combination of learning methods will be used throughout the day, including trainer presentation and group work in the form of case studies and reflection dilemmas to support application to practice. Local templates and expectations will be embedded in the programme where required and appropriate.

Delegate Requirements

All delegates will need access to a laptop/desktop for the whole session, a functioning microphone and camera, and a strong stable internet connection to allow effective participation. Delegates will need a quiet place to work, largely free of interruptions so they can unmute to contribute. Delegates will need to be present for the entire session unless by arrangement, this is to maximise their own learning and not detract from the experience of others. Where courses include a request for skills practice (i.e., Court Skills or Motivational Interviewing) taking part in the practice element of the course mandatory. 

Where possible delegates should be using the Microsoft Teams Desktop App and have ensured it is fully updated. Laptops/Desktops should have an up-to-date browser such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge other browsers are not fully supported. We require the work/teams email addresses of the delegates 7 days prior to the training to allow us to send calendar invites, joining instructions and course materials. Delegates are advised to download the resources prior to the course and will need them accessible on the day. 

For customers who have a large or specialist contracts with us, we are also able to create a resource library for your organisation within out MS Teams Platform, delegates can 'opt in' to this added value service and they will be given a 'DCC-I Guest Account' and details on how to join it. 

Please note - for health and safety reasons it is not appropriate to access these courses from a mobile phone. Whilst tablets can be used; delegates will find a laptop/desktop is easier as functionality on tablets are still limited. 

Diverse Needs:

At DCC-I we are happy to support delegates with any additional learning needs. Any learning or other needs should be notified to crew@dcc-i.co.uk at least 48 hours prior to the course commencing to allow time for for the preparation of any specific materials. 

Programme overview: 

Day 1

9:30 - Welcome and Introductions.

9:45 - Why look at this Topic? 

                        Learning from Serious Case Reviews 

                        Prevalence

                        Risks to the well-being of Neglected Children. 

10:30 - What is Neglect?

                        Working Together 2018 

                        Medical Neglect 

                        Nutritional Neglect 

                        Emotional Neglect 

11:30 - BREAK

11:45 - What is Neglect?

                         Educational Neglect 

                         Physical Neglect 

                         Lack of supervision and guidance

12:30 - LUNCH

13:30 - Why Does Neglect Matter?

                         Impact on the Brain

                         Impact on the Body 

                         Impact on Learning 

14:30 - BREAK  

14:45 - Why Does Neglect Matter? 

                         Impact on Emotional Development 

                         Cumulative Harm 

15:30 - What is Good Enough Parenting? 

                          Dimensions of Parenting Capacity

                          Child Development - Ages and Stages 

                          Teenage Neglect 

16:30 - CLOSE 

DAY 2 

9:30 - Welcome and Introductions 

9:45 - Recap of Learning from Day 1 

10:15 - How do we Assess Neglect? 

                            Models of Assessment 

                            Tools for Assessing (Including GP2 and Signs of Safety) 

                            Nice Recommendations 

11:15 - BREAK 

11:30 - What areas do we need to assess/consider? 

                            Parenting Capacity  

                            Parental Mental Health 

                            Parental Substance Use 

                            Domestic Abuse 

12:30 - LUNCH 

13:30 - What areas do we need to assess/consider? 

                            Parental Learning Disability 

                            Disability and Neglect 

                            Family and Environment

                            Culture and Safeguarding 

14:30 - BREAK 

14:45 - How do we intervene? 

                            Why interventions fail 

                            Assessing Parenting Capacity 

                            Resistance and Motivation 

15:30 - How do we intervene?

                             Using Chronologies 

                             Working with the wider family network 

                             Intervening with fathers and males in the family 

                             Escalating Cases if strategies are unsuccessful 

16:30 - CLOSE 

SERICC Challenging Myths, Changing Attitudes - FREE workshop for practitioners

SERICC are offering a free workshop designed for front line workers from any sector, including Social Care, Police, Education and Housing.

Location: South Essex College – in person only

Wednesday 3rd December 2025

Thursday 5th March 2026

Time: 10am until 4pm

Tea and Coffee will be provided on arrival. We are sorry lunch is not provided

Max on each course: 30

This one day workshop is designed to help you improve your understanding of the issues which “ripple” out from each single incident of sexual violence.  No crime, however private or hidden, takes place in a vacuum. 

We hope that the workshop will help you feel more confident in dealing with any issues relating to sexual violence and abuse, especially in terms of challenging myths where you hear or see them repeated.  It is an active and experiential workshop with activities and exercises which will challenge you in positive ways. 

 By the end of your workshop we hope that you will have:

• a better understanding of who victims/survivors and perpetrators of sexual violence and abuse might be;
• deeper knowledge of the many ways any form of sexual violence or abuse can affect all aspects of the victim/survivor’s life and relationships;
• working knowledge about the trauma caused by sexual violence and abuse and how it affects the brain, the nervous system and the rest of the victim/survivor’s body;
• improved understanding of the various ways victims/survivors learn to cope with those post-trauma symptoms;
• stronger conviction that individuals who challenge sexist behaviour (including rape jokes etc) can really make a difference in the world; and
• clear knowledge of the specialist services provided by SERICC.

Please note that although the workshop is free, a £50.00 fee will occur if you fail to attend or cancel without 5 working days’ notice.

Booking information can be found here:

https://www.thurrocklscp.org.uk/events/16-days-of-action

E-Learning Courses

Thurrock LSCP are pleased to offer a wide range of E-Learning courses which are available across the multi-agency partnership.

More information on the details of each course are available on the individual pages or by clicking here and downloading our E-Learning Training Brochure.

These e-learning courses are free however, failure to complete them within 30 days from the date of allocation, will result in a £15 charge.

For more information, please refer to the LSCP Learning and Development Events Programme Charging Policy.

To apply for one of the courses, please click the link below.

Once the form has been received by the LSCP Business Team, login details will be sent through to you.

Trio of Vulnerabilities

Course Description

This course describes the massive impact domestic abuse, parental mental health issues and parental substance abuse can have on both vulnerable children, young people and the parents themselves.

This course will help the learner define what the Trio of Vulnerabilities means and it's effects.  This will help to guide learners on how to deal with suspected cases.

This course contains information and resources to enable practitioners to define and identify the effects of such abuse and act accordingly.

This course covers the following:

• Definition of the Trio of Vulnerabilities itself
• Statistics, facts and figures, and research into the Trio of Vulnerabilities
• The impact the Trio of Vulnerabilities can have on children, and on adults' parenting ability
• NICE guidelines about alcohol misuse and drug misuse
• Vulnerabilities for substance misuse
• The risk and impact to children and adolescents: health, increased vulnerability, development
• Guidance, how to assess risk, strengths-based practice, information sharing and interventions
• Working Together

This course uses immersive real-world scenarios to help professionals apply knowledge into everyday life.  These real world scenarios and the supporting case studies will enable learners to see how their training can apply to them in their role. A key aim of this training is to provide learners 

SET Child Exploitation E-Learning Training - updated December 2023

Child Exploitation E-Learning Training

In partnership with Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit and the Southend and Essex Boards, we have launched a new e-learning package to support anyone who would like to improve their knowledge and understanding of exploitation.

The e-learning package is free to access for those working or volunteering in Thurrock, Southend and Essex and includes three modules that cover exploitation awareness, child exploitation and adult exploitation.

The purpose of the e-learning package is to raise awareness about all types of exploitation and to help people recognise the potential signs of exploitation, covering aspects such as grooming, adolescent brain development, modern day slavery and contextual safeguarding.

To undertake this free course, please click here

Please note that you will need to register to be able to access the e-learning training.

SET Partnership Child Exploitation Pathway

The SET Partnership Child Exploitation Pathway has been developed to support those working with, and identifying, individuals at risk of serious violence or exploitation.  The pathway compliments the e-learning package (detailed above) and will give Practitioners the tools they need to identify factors that could indicate exploitation and to make decisions regarding referrals where child exploitation is suspected.

The tool gives a pathway indicator for each local area which sets out appropriate courses of action for those needing support.  It will be used within statutory agencies as a universal pathway which means there is a consistent tool across the whole of Essex which all workers will use.

An awareness of Domestic Violence and Abuse

This Awareness of Domestic Violence and Abuse course explores the types of and risk factors of domestic violence and abuse, the physical and psychological effects and the behaviours displayed by an abusive person. In addition, learn about the MARAC process and the best practises for supporting those experiencing domestic violence.

Course description

This course covers a wide range of information and guidance for all those working with individuals, both child and adult, who are vulnerable to domestic abuse or suffering from it.

Who is this course for?

The Virtual College Awareness of Domestic Violence and Abuse course is appropriate for anyone who works closely with children or vulnerable adults. This could be social workers, teachers, healthcare staff or youth workers, for example.

Certification

After completing this course, you will be able to download a Virtual College certificate, which you can print for your records.

Course duration

The Awareness of Domestic Violence and Abuse course should take one to two hours to complete, but our e-learning courses are entirely self-paced, so this depends on your individual learning speed.

Please note that whilst this e-learning course is free, failure to complete within 30 days of the date of allocation will result in a £15 charge.

To register for this training, please click here

Understanding Pathways to Extremism and the Prevent Programme

Overview - Understanding Pathways to Extremism and the Prevent Programme

The Home Office has approved this course to be included in the Home Office official catalogue of recommended products for Prevent Duty training.

Prevent and radicalisation awareness training is a way to ensure staff are able to identify children at risk of being drawn in to terrorism, as required by the Counter Terrorism & Security Act 2015 and the Prevent Duty Statutory Guidance.

This course is aimed at all professionals who work in sectors where they come into contact with people who may be vulnerable to radicalisation, whether they are adults, children or young people.

The aim of the course is to give you an awareness of the radicalisation process so you can feel confident about being proactive in taking a multi-agency approach to early intervention and support.

After completing this course you should:

• Understand what extremism and radicalisation are and why it is important to discuss and address these
• Know the main elements of the Prevent strand of the government’s CONTEST strategy
• Better understand what makes people vulnerable to radicalisation
• Know your responsibilities and recognise indicators that radicalisation might be taking place

A number of subject matter experts contributed to this course, including Lincolnshire Safeguarding Adults Board, Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Board and Safe in Tees Valley.

Lesson Plan

• Welcome and Learning Outcomes
• Introduction
• Prevent Strategy
• The Radicalisation Process
• What should I do?
• Summary and Further Reading

Certification

On completion of this course you will be able to download and print a certificate.

Duration

Approximately 1 hour - 1.5 hours. The length of time taken depends entirely on how quickly you can study and absorb the material. You can proceed as quickly or slowly as you like. However, this course also has several downloadable PDFs with additional information in, which you can print off and read in your own time.

Target Audience

All professionals who work in sectors where they come into contact with people who may be vulnerable to radicalisation, whether they are adults, children or young people.

Child Poverty

Course description

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is a form of child abuse that is defined as an individual or group that coerces, manipulates or deceives a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity.  This can be for something the victim wants or needs or it can be for a financial advantage to the perpetrator.

This training has been designed for those working with vulnerable children or young people and covers the effects and impacts of sexual exploitation of children.  Through up to date information on CSE, learning challenges and scenarios for an interactive learning experience.

Ensuring you can identify the signs and symptoms of Child Sexual Exploitation is crucial for anyone working with children.  This topic is extremely challenging to deal with as there are a vast number of potential scenarios and the signs of abuse might not be clear.

This online training has been designed for all those working with vulnerable children and gives both information and guidance on sexual exploitation.  It covers the following topics:-

• Definition of child sexual exploitation
• Who are the perpetrators?
• Ways in which children and young people can be sexually exploited
• Up to date information and numbers of child protection and sexual exploitation in the UK
• 'Going missing' and other factors for vulnerability
• Indicator behaviours and signs, and the Push Pull effect
• The impact of sexual exploitation on children and young people
• The cycle of risk
• Risk assessment
• Grooming of children for sexual exploitation
• Human trafficking

The course also includes challenges for learners to check their understanding as the course proceeds, case studies showing abuse, an interactive scenario and ree resource downloads including printable risk assessments.

Who is it for?

• Teachers
• Teaching assistants
• Pastoral workers
• Healthcare workers
• Social workers
• Councillors

Certification

On completion of this course you will be able to download a Virtual College certificate.

Duration

Approximately 1 - 2 hours. The length of time taken depends entirely on how quickly you can study and absorb the material. You can proceed as quickly or slowly as you like.

Please note that whilst this e-learning course is free, failure to complete within 30 days of the date of allocation will result in a £15 charge.

To register for this training, please click here

Hidden Harm

Overview - Hidden Harm

Why take this course?

Thousands of adults in the UK are classed as being problematic drug or alcohol users. A range of services are in place to assist them, but historically their children could easily be overlooked. However, government guidance now specifically aims to support affected children and this course aims to raise awareness of the key issues, as well as equip you to take appropriate action. This course maps to DANOS, the Drug and Alcohol National Occupational Standards.

The content of this e-learning course includes:

• Overview of the hidden harm of parental drug and alcohol misuse
• Impact on families and children
• Assessing parental and family needs
• Opportunities to influence the outcomes for children
• How to engage positively with families

Training outcomes

• Raise awareness of hidden harm issues relating to parental substance misuse.
• Identify how the hidden harm aspects of parental substance misuse may affect children and young people.
• Gain confidence in associating hidden harm with potential safeguarding issues for children exposed to parental substance misuse.
• Recognise the importance of multi-agency working and the roles and responsibilities of different agencies to support children affected by hidden harm.
• Understood the importance of sharing information appropriately and keeping records in order to safeguard children affected by hidden harm.

Accreditation

The content of this course has been independently certified as conforming to universally accepted Continuous Professional Development (CPD) guidelines.

Course duration

Approximately one hour to 90 minutes to complete. As an e-learning course you can complete this training in convenient stages. The system will record your progress throughout

Target audience

This course is suitable for anyone whose role involves working with children, young people and their families.

Entry requirements

There are no entry requirements for this course.

Test and certificate

The end of course test consists of 15 multiple choice questions. Learners are required to achieve a 75% pass mark, and, if necessary, may attempt the test three times at no extra cost. If learners do not achieve the 75% pass mark, further attempts may be given by contacting our support team.

Learners will be able to download a digital certificate on completion.

Level 1 - Safeguarding Everyone

Level 1 Safeguarding Everyone will help you to better understand how to safeguard children, young people and adults at risk effectively within your role.  The course allows learners to understand the importance of multi-agency cooperation, whistleblowing and how cases of abuse have impacted the legislation.

Course Description

This course will give you the knowledge and skills to ensure you can help safeguard not only those you are directly responsible for, but everyone you have contact with whilst carrying out your duties.

This information packed course emphasises how important it is for everyone to always ensure the safety and security of anyone in their care, or whom they encounter as part of their role.

It will help you to better understand how to safeguard children, young people and adults at risk effectively within your role.

The overall learning outcomes being:-

• Be able to recognise the signs of abuse
• Be able to respond appropriately to suspected or alleged abuse
• Know how to recognise and report unsafe practices.

The course explains key definitions such as Safeguarding, Vulnerable Child and Adult at risk.

It explains what Child or Adult abuse, or maltreatment is and covers the ten types of abuse you should be aware of, including some less well-known types such as Financial Abuse.  Providing useful information on each of the ten.  It also explains that some people are more vulnerable to or at risk of abuse.

A key aspect covered is how to respond to abuse, what steps to follow if you have concerns or anyone discloses to you that they are being abused.

This aspect of how to respond also includes Recording and Reporting abuse what to do if you have concerns about the wellbeing of a child, young person or adult at risk and you think they are a victim of neglect, abuse or cruelty.

This course covers key legislation and guidance such as the Safeguarding Children 2018 guidance or the Care Act 2014.

In summary, the course covers:-

• What is safeguarding?
• Types of abuse
• Signs and symptoms of abuse
• Responding to abuse

The course is user friendly with interactive, engaging content including video and challenges to check your knowledge.  It also has an innovative "Safe Place" if you need a little escape from the content.

Who is it for?

Roles including:-

• Receptionists
• Administrators
• Caterers
• Transport Staff
• Maintenance Staff
• Volunteers
• Domestic Staff
• Porters
• Community Pharmacist Counter Staff
• Teachers
• Safeguarding teams

Duration

30 minutes to 1 hour study time.

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this course.

Certificate

On completion of this course you will be able to download a Virtual College certificate.

 Please note that whilst this e-learning course is free, failure to complete within 30 days of the date of allocation will result in a £15 charge.

To register for this course, please click here

Early Help and CAF

Course Description

This course includes challenges to test the learner's ongoing knowledge, videos and interactivity to retain interest, examples of early help in schools and colleges, downloads of relevant reading and reports including the Victoria Climbie inquiry, and full details about using the CAF form.

Early help or early intervention involves supporting families when a problem first occurs and can be utilised at any point in a child or young persons life.

Early help can have massively positive impacts on a childs future development and is therefore crucial that anyone working with children, young people or their families understands the importance of early help.

This wide ranging CAF safeguarding course is designed to help all those working with children, adults and families who could benefit from Early Help.

It covers information sharing and its ramifications, the definition of early help and how to access it, and is suitable for social workers, youth and family workers, teachers, and anyone working with possibly vulnerable children, young people, adults and families.

Topics covered in this CAF training course include:

• The definition and importance of information sharing, when it is necessary and appropriate
• Types of information
• Confidentiality, information security and GDPR
• What can be achieved by information sharing
• The difference between sharing information about children and about adults and the specific needs of children
• The definition of 'early help' identifying who might need it, and what assessments involve
• When and how a child, young person, adult or family might be vulnerable
• The Toxic Trio
• Definition, background and purpose of the Common Assessment Framework (CAF)
• How to use the CAF in practice, including the CAF form
• Legislation covering all the above
• Numbers and statistics as relevant

This CAF online training course includes challenges to test the learner's ongoing knowledge, videos and interactivity to retain interest, examples of early help in 

Fabricated Illness

Course Description

The course also contains reference to real life cases, challenges to check the learners' understanding throughout the course, case studies, and downloads of supplementary guidance, and a guide for pediatricians.  It is suitable for those working with children and in healthcare.

Fabricated Induced Illness (FII) is a rare form of child abuse that can often go unnoticed.  The signs and symptoms of abuse are very widespread which makes it difficult to identify.  It is therefore important that anyone working with children is aware of this abuse and knows what to look for if they suspect this type of abuse.

This course describes the symptoms of FII and the risk factors that can lead to it, and includes case studies, guidance for practitioners.

It also gives learners in-depth information on what they need to be aware of when dealing with fabricated illness and the best practice to help children in this situation.  This training covers a wide range of topics including:

• The definition of FII, and other names by which it is known
• Description of the main components of FII: induced illness and fabricated illness
• The indicators of fabricated illness and induced illness
• The impact of FII
• Information sharing
• Risk factors that can increase the likelihood of FII
• Guidance for practitioners

This course also contains reference to real life cases, challenges to check the learners' understanding throughout the course, case studies and downloads of supplementary guidance, and a guide for pediatricians.  It is suitable for those working with children and in healthcare.

Who is it for?

Roles including:

• Teachers
• Teaching assistants
• Care workers
• Social workers
• Council workers
• Nursery staff
• Nurses
• Pastoral care

Duration

This course takes approximately one to two hours to complete.

Please note that whilst this e-learning course is free, failure to complete within 30 days of allocation will result in a £15 charge.

To register for this course, please click here

Female Genital Mutilation - FGM - (abuse linked to Faith or Belief)

This FGM (abuse linked to Faith or Belief) course explores, with the use of real-world scenarios, the terminology, definitions and types of FGM, origins and main justifications, legislations relating to issues in the course, how to identify this abuse and how the law protects victims.  Topics covered include honour-based violence, forced marriage and abuse linked to faith or belief and abuse from Spirit possession.

Course Description

This wide-ranging course covers FGM, abuse linked to faith or belief and forced marriage.

This course helps learns to understand the links between these issues, provides information on how to identify vulnerable people, and how to report and act on such knowledge.

It is specifically designed to help people coming into contact with young people and their families during the course of their work to promote good safeguarding practice, whilst being culturally aware.

The prevalence of FGM, abuse linked to faith or belief, and forced marriage is a very serious problem, and anyone who works with vulnerable adults, children and young people needs to be aware of its indicators and consequences.  This course offers information on these various types of abuse in a clear format, using videos and real-life scenarios.

What's included in this training?

This online training course covers a wide range of topics to give learners in-depth knowledge of FGM, abuse linked to faith or belief and forced marriage, and the signs and symptoms for each.  Areas covered in this training include:

• Definitions of FGM, its terminology and types, its origin, and the justification for it
• How it is carried out
• Prevalence of FGM and related statistics
• Legislation relating to issues in these courses
• Guidance for practitioners
• The definition of child abuse linked to faith or belief, and abuse from spirit possession
• Definition of honour-based violence and its link to forced marriage
• Prevalence and consequences of honour-based violence
• Definition of forced marriage
• Indicators and consequences of forced marriage

Why take this training course?

This online course uses immersive real-world scenarios to help learners absorb more information and enable them to apply the techniques and learning into their workplace.

There are challenges within each section of this course to test the knowledge gained throughout the course.

There are also links provided to relevant agencies and organisations which supply more information and advice so learners can further develop their knowledge once their training is completed.

This course is suitable for those working with children, young people and adults in safeguarding, teachers, or various volunteer roles.

Who is it for?

Roles including:

• Healthcare Professionals
• Administrators
• Teachers
• Teaching assistants
• Nurses
• Councillors
• Support workers
• Volunteers

Duration

This course takes approximately three to four hours to complete.

Please note that whilst this e-learning course is free, failure to complete within 30 days of allocations will result in a £15 charge.

To register for this course, please click here

Safer Recruitment

This Safer Recruitment online training course is designed for those who are responsible for hiring people who work with children.  Safer Recruitment training online will teach you what is meant by safer recruitment and the practices involved, which legislation underpins safer recruitment, as well as cases where safer recruitment practices could have prevented abuse, how to assess the suitability of candidates, the 6 NHS employment check standards and their processes.

Course Description

Safer Recruitment is designed to help those who are responsible for hiring anyone who works with children, to identify and deter or reject individuals who are deemed to be at risk of abusing children. 

It’s crucial that all employers have a recruitment policy in place that takes into account safer recruitment best practices and considerations. This course covers key topics including: 

• advertising
• application forms
• selecting candidates for interview based on the information they have presented
• post-interview checks before making an offer of employment.

Recruitment of staff is now a complex process and there are many issues that need to be considered to ensure safe and successful recruitment, to reduce in turn the risk of harm, abuse and neglect of adults and children.  

This course is a set of safe principles covering the essentials areas of safer recruitment including:  

• An overview of recruitment  
• How to communicate with applicants 
• Preparing job and personnel specifications 
• Application forms, advertising and references 
• Pre-interview checks and selecting candidates for interview 
• DBS checks and enhanced checking, pre employment checks (PEC) 
• Induction, training, and supervision of new staff  
• Relevant legislation 
• How adults and children might become at risk 

This course includes case examples, and challenges to help professionals check their knowledge and apply it into everyday working life. This course is suitable for people working in roles in HR and those involved in recruitment of staff.  

Having a greater understanding of safer recruitment best practices are crucial for anyone who work in an environment where children and young people or vulnerable adults are present. It is very important that extra care is taken to ensure people are safe to work in such environment when recruiting or managing new members of staff. Safer recruitment is designed for safeguarding children and young people - also to ensure that staff follow a clear code of conduct and mitigate inappropriate behaviours in new staff members.

Who is it for?

• Academy trusts
• Agency staff
• Full time workers
• Governing bodies
• Governors
• Head teachers
• Human resources staff
• Part time workers
• Teacher assistant
• Teachers
• Voluntary staff

Applicable to the following places of work:

• Academies
• Care homes
• Children’s homes
• Free schools
• Higher education establishments
• Hospitals
• Independent schools
• Law firms
• Nurseries
• Primary schools
• Pupil referral units
• Secondary schools
• SEN schools
• Sports clubs

Certification

After completing this course, you will be able to download a Virtual College certificate, which you can print for your records.

Course duration

The Safer Recruitment course should take two hours to complete, but the e-learning courses are entirely self-paced, so this depends on your individual learning speed.

Please note that whilst this e-learning course is free, failure to complete within 30 days of allocation will result in a £15 charge.

To register for this course, please click here

Gang Related Issues and County Lines

This online course has been designed to give learners a better understanding of gang issues and county lines by looking at these terms, what they mean and the signs and symptoms of abuse.  This online CPD approved safeguarding training also looks at Child Criminal Exploitation, (CCE), its definition and how to recognise it and much more.

Course Description

This course aims to give learners a deeper understanding of gang related issues and define what these key terms mean.  This training will also help learners to identify the signs and symptoms of abuse and what to do if they suspect a child or young person is becoming involved in gang activities.

County lines is another crucial issue related to gang activities, within this training learners will gain an understanding of this issue and how it can differ from other gang related activities.

This course covers gang related issues for children and young people, defines and explains 'county lines' and its links to organised criminal networks, defines Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE), and enables you to spot the signs of those involved with gangs or at risk of being drawn into gangs.  It gives details of other organisations that are able to provide help and support and gives guidance on actions to take if you suspect of become aware of gang related issues.

Topics covered in this module include:

• Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)
• Spotting the signs and characteristics of those involved with gangs, and 'pull factors' that could indicate vulnerability of children and young people
• Definition of 'county lines exploitation' and its connection to human trafficking, modern slavery and forced labour, how to recognise signs of activity
• Definitions of gang terminology
• Links between gangs and knife crime
• What to do if you suspect gang involvement
• The National Referral Mechanism (NRM)

Case studies and videos are used to illustrate the information contained in the courses.  There are also challenges to check your knowledge of the information covered.

Who is it for?

• Social workers
• Care workers
• Pastoral care
• Teachers
• Teaching Assistants
• Healthcare Professionals

Duration

This course takes approximately one to two hours to complete.

Please note that whilst this e-learning course if free, failure to complete within 30 days of the date of allocation will result in a £15 charge.

To register for this course, please click here

Safer Sleeping for Babies

Course Description

Greater awareness of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is one of the most effective ways to reduce cases.  This course is designed to do just that whilst ensuring learners gain knowledge on practical and effective ways to reduce the risks.

This course gives up to date information on how to make sleeping safer for babies and gives advice on lowering the chance of SUDC (Sudden Unexpected Death in Childhood).

It gives a wide range of information and guidance, and is aimed at health workers, nursery workers, and those working with babies and new parents.

A wide range of topics are covered throughout this training including:-

• The definitions of SUDI, SIDS and SUDC and how they differ
• Tackling unexplained deaths, and reducing their number
• The agencies and individuals who can help to reduce the risk
• The triple risk model
• Descriptions of environmental risks and how to avoid or reduce them
• Advice to give to parents on how to avoid SIDS
• Strategies for safer sleeping
• SIDS and smoking
• How to regulate babies' temperature
• The dangers of co-sleeping and bed-sharing

The course also covers up to date statistics, facts and figures to help learners understand the current levels of SIDS.

It provides links to organisations that can provide information and help, such as the Lullaby Trust, the Baby Sleep Information Service and the NHS.  This course contains challenges for learners to check their understanding as the course proceeds.

Who is it for?

Roles including:

• Doctors
• Nurses
• Paediatricians
• Nursery workers
• Parents
• Childminders
• Social Workers

Duration

This course takes approximately one to two hours to complete

Please note that whilst this e-learning course is free, failure to complete within 30 days of allocation will result in a £15 charge.

To register for this course, please click here

Self Harm

Course Description

Being able to identify and understand self-harm and its causes is crucial for anyone who works with vulnerable children, young people or adults.  This training will help learners to understand what to do if they suspect someone is potentially self-harming.

Mental health problems among children and young people appear to be on the rise, so self-harm awareness and an understanding of how to support young people who are at risk of self-harm is vital for anyone who has safeguarding responsibilities.

This course covers types of self-harm, reasons for an indicators of someone self-harming, and how to identify and help someone who is harming themselves.

This course covers the following:

• A definition of self-harm and how to identify it
• The prevalence of self-harm, and relevant statistics
• Links between self-harm and mental wellbeing
• Acts of self-harm
• The self-harm cycle
• Risk factors for self-harm in both children and adults

The course includes a range of scenarios to enable the learner to reflect on own practice and engage in their learning, it also includes knowledge checks throughout.

Who is it for?

Roles including:

• Teachers
• Teaching assistants
• Education workers
• Social workers
• Volunteers
• Police officers

Certification

On completion of this course, you will be able to download a Virtual College certificate.

Duration

Approximately 1-2 hours.  The length of time taken depends entirely on how quickly you can study and absorb the material.  You can proceed as quickly or slowly as you like.

Please note that whilst this e-learning course is free, failure to complete within 30 days of allocation will result in a £15 charge.

To register for this course, please click here

Supporting Teenagers and Young People

Course Description

This course covers a wide range of topics to help provide those who work with children and young people or young adults, the information they need to help and support young people who are vulnerable to abuse or neglect.

This course is designed to give information and guidance to those working with teenagers and young people who may be vulnerable to relationship abuse, substance misuse, and teenage pregnancy.

This course uses a multimedia approach to engage the learner including videos and scenarios to allow professionals to develop their knowledge and skills in the following areas:

• Definition of teenage relationship abuse and the types of abuse: sexual, coercive control, financial, emotional and physical
• Risk factors and protective factors
• How to help young people in abusive relationships
• Factors associated with bullying, including locations
• Characteristics of perpetrator including types of adult bullies and children who bully - bullies, indicators, victims
• Types of bullying, including homophobic bullying and that of young people with learning disabilities, and the bullying cycle
• The relationship between bullying and suicide
• Definitions of substance misuse and addiction
• Young people and alcohol and drug treatment, referral routes into specialist treatment
• The misuse of substances, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, alcohol, and cannabis
• What to do it you have concerns regarding substance misuse
• The risks, impact and prevention of teenage pregnancy
• Supporting young people in reducing teenage pregnancy rates
• Legislation relating to teenage relationship abuse, bullying and substance misuse

This course uses immersive real-work scenarios to help professionals apply knowledge into everyday life.  These real-work scenarios and the supporting case studies will enable learners to see how their training can apply to them in their role.  A key aim of this training is to provide learners with strong context to the training so they can easily relate to the situations presented to them within the training.

You will learn

• The definition of what teenage relationship abuse is and the different forms of abuse within intimate relationships
• Explain what you need to do if you have concerns about a child or teenager
• Identify what is meant by bullying and the 'bullying cycle' and who is at risk
• Know the different types of substances which young people might abuse and the effects of these substances on young people's physical and mental health
• Understand why young people might misuse substances and the factors that make them vulnerable
• Identify the risk factors for teenage pregnancy and the impact of teenage pregnancy on the outcomes for young people
• Outline support for young people to prevent unplanned pregnancy

Who is it for?

Roles including:

• Administrators
• Teachers
• Teaching Assistants
• Social workers
• Volunteers
• Safeguarding teams

Certification

On completion of this course you will be able to download a Virtual College certificate.

Duration

Approximately 3-4 hours. The length of time taken depends entirely on how quickly you can study and absorb the material. You can proceed as quickly or slowly as you like.

Please note that whilst this e-learning course is free, failure to complete within 30 days of allocation, will result in a £15 charge.

To register for this course, please click here

Working with Children with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities

Course Overview 

For those working with children with learning difficulties or disabilities there are a lot of increased considerations that need to take place in regards to their safeguarding and care.

This course gives an overview of information and guidance needed for those who work or care for children and young people in this situation.

This wide-ranging course covers the definitions, needs and laws relating to children with learning difficulties and disabilities, including legislation, communication and partnership.

This course covers the following:-

• Views on disabilities and disability awareness
• Types of developmental disabilities
• Models of disabilities
• Barriers faced by disabled children and young people and their families
• Integration and inclusion
• Communication and terminology
• Working in partnership, participation, consultation, person-centered planning
• Safeguarding in relation to disabled children and young people
• Recent research
• Legislation relating to disability issues

This course includes a range of scenarios to enable the learner to reflect on their own practice and engage in their learning.  It also includes knowledge check challenges throughout.

You will learn

• Identify different views, types and models of disabilities
• Identify barriers experienced by children, young people and their families - what does equality, diversity and inclusion mean for them?
• Working together with parents or carers and other professionals
• How to safeguarding children with disabilities
• Understand significant legislation relating to disability issues

Who is this for?

• Teachers
• Teaching Assistants
• Pastoral Care
• Nursey Staff
• Daycare Workers
• Childcare Workers
• Social Workers
• Volunteers

Certification

On completion of this course you will be able to print a Virtual College certificate.

Duration

Approximately 4-5 hours.

The length of time taken depends entirely on how quickly you can study and absorb the material. You can proceed as quickly or slowly as you like.

Please note that whilst this e-learning course is free, failure to complete within 30 days will result in a charge of £15.

To register for this course, please click here

Modern Slavery and Trafficking

Course description

Modern slavery and trafficking are two of the most important safeguarding topics for anyone working with vulnerable children or adults.  It is crucial that they have an in-depth knowledge of these areas and can spot the signs and symptoms of abuse.

Human trafficking, human exploitation and modern slavery are alarmingly widespread issues in today's society.  Statistics from Unseen show there was a 35% increase in the number of people identified as trafficking victims in the UK from 2016 to 2017, while 4,586 victims of modern slavery were reported to the Home Office in 2016 alone.

Thousands of children and adults are exploited each year for cheap or unpaid labor, sexual abuse or domestic servitude, which can have a devastating impact on their physical and mental wellbeing.

Why take this course?

It is vital that the perpetrators of these crimes are caught, which is only possible with the support of front-line professionals who are trained in identifying potential signs of exploitation and understand the appropriate course of action to take.  That is what our Trafficking, Exploitation and Modern Slavery e-learning course is designed to educate people about.

A key aim of this training is to provide learners with a strong context so they can easily relate to the situations presented to them within the training.  To achieve this, the course uses immersive read-world scenarios and case studies to help professional apply knowledge into their role.

What is included in this course?

This course offers information on the various forms of slavery and trafficking in a clear format, with videos and real-life scenarios, and includes the following:-

• Definitions of modern slavery, including a slavery or servitude, forced or compulsory labor, human trafficking, types of exploitation, sex trafficking
• Details of relevant legislation - International, European, and within the UK.
• Who is at risk, and how to recognise them
• Signs and indicators: physical, sexual, health, psychological and behavioral
• How to report using National Referral Mechanism (NRM) and the Duty to Notify
• Why victims might not wish to report abuse
• The scale of human trafficking, both nationally and worldwide
• The role of the internet and online sex trafficking
• Who are the victims and why are they vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation
• UK strategies on preventing trafficking and modern slavery
• Investigating and prosecuting
• Preventing trafficking
• The impact of trafficking and exploitation on it victims, both adults, children and young people
• Understanding the roles of specific agencies and services

You will learn

• Explain the main components of modern slavery and trafficking and who could be at risk
• Recognise indicators of modern slavery
• Outline the legislative framework of modern slavery and trafficking
• Recognise who traffickers are
• Explain what is meant by online sex trafficking
• Understand the scale of trafficking and how it is investigated
• Know the different types of exploitation, slavery and forced labor and how to report to the relevant agencies

Who is it for?

Roles including:-

• Teachers
• Teaching Assistants
• Healthcare Professionals
• Nurses
• Care workers
• Social workers

Certification

After completing this course, you will be able to download a Virtual College certificate, which you can print for your records.

Course duration

This course should take three to four hours to complete, but our e-learning courses are entirely self-paced, so this depends on your individual learning speed.

Please note that whilst this e-learning course is free, failure to complete within 30 days of allocation, a £15 fee will be charged.

To register for this course, please click here

LGBTQ+ Awareness

Course Description

This training is designed to give learners a much deeper understanding of the key issues facing LGBTQ+ workers and how to ensure that they are safeguarded in the workplace.

Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to create an inclusive environment for all employees through their policies and procedures.

This LGBTQ+ Awareness training course will widen your awareness of gender identity and sexual orientation, and includes the following subject topics:

• The definition of gender identity and sexual orientation, Gender Identity Disorder (GID) and Gender Dysphoria
• The definition and usage of words, including 'queer', 'pansexual', 'non-binary' etc
• The processes involved in transitioning
• Research and understanding of discrimination
• Hate crime, minority stress
• LGBTQ+ health issues, both mental and physical, and the difficulties of accessing appropriate healthcare
• Children and young people, gender identify and sexuality
• LGBTQ+ in education
• Pride

This course covers personal experiences and case studies, educational downloads and discussion of a while school approach, links to relevant organisations, interactive infographics including relevant statistics, and a 

Radicalisation and Extremism

Course Description

Safeguarding anyone against radicalisation and extremism is an extremely important responsibility.  It is crucial that anyone working with vulnerable children, young people or adults are able to recognise the signs and symptoms of potential radicalisation.

This training course will help learners to understand various forms of radicalisation and extremism and how it can be recognised and countered.  This course also looks into further steps and organisations to contact if they suspect someone is being radicalised.

This is a wide-ranging course covering radicalisation and extremism.  It explores how some people become vulnerable to it and how this can potentially lead to terrorism, how to counter this and actions you can take.  It also details government initiatives and legislation.

Topics covered in this prevent extremism training include:-

• Extremism, radicalisation and terrorism, and the differences between them
• Sources and types of terrorism threats
• How the radicalisation process happens
• Risk factors and how to identify people vulnerable to radicalisation
• Government strategies, including CONTEST, Channel and Prevent
• UK legislation and actions to reduce acts of terrorism
• Actions you can take

Case studies and videos are used to illustrate the information in the prevent radicalisation training course, and there are also challenges to check your knowledge of the information covered at each stage of the learning.

Who is it for?

Roles including:

• Teachers
• Teaching assistants
• Care workers
• Social workers
• Safeguarding teams
• University staff
• HR workers

Duration

This course takes approximately one to 2 hours to complete.

Please note that whilst this e-learning course is free, failure to complete within 30 days of allocation will result in a £15 charge.

To register for this course, please click here

Safer Working Practice

Course description

Anyone working with children and young people need to ensure they understand how to manage their own behaviour and that of other employees and the children themselves when dealing with professionals and volunteers.

This course will help learners to get a better insight into how situations can develop and how to effectively respond.

This course goes into detail about how to manage behaviour when working with children and young people, to be more aware of how situations can develop, and gives guidance on working practices suitable for a wide range of professionals and volunteers.

This course covers the following:

• Why safe working practices are necessary
• Guidance for both children and adults around safe working practices
• Protocols, procedures and terminology
• Relevant legislation and government guidance
• Management of allegations
• Behaviour, what is appropriate and how to manage it.

The course includes a wide range of scenarios to enable the learner to reflect on own practice and engage in their learning; it also includes knowledge check challenges throughout and links to appropriate external organisations.

It is suitable for a range of roles such as teachers, social workers, police, volunteers and others working with vulnerable children and young people.

You will learn

• Increase your awareness of issues relating to allegations management
• Gain confidence in challenging inappropriate behaviour
• Understand the importance of sharing information appropriately and keeping record
• Be able to identify signs of inappropriate behaviour towards children and young people

Certification

After completing this course, you will be able to download a Virtual College certificate, which you can print for your records.

Course duration

This course should take between one to two hours to complete, but our e-learning courses are entirely self-paced, so this depends on your individual learning speed.

E-Safety

Course description

This course describes the various forms of abuse and danger caused by the use of technology and the internet, both for adults and children, and gives detailed information on how to counter its effects.

This online training course will help learners to identify adults and children at risk and what forms online abusers takes and how to recognise them.  This course will provide learners with the information they need on how to help and protect adults and children from the dangers of technology.

The ability to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults from harmful or inappropriate material online is extremely important and anyone working with these groups needs to be able to identify potential risks as well as the signs and symptons of vulnerabilities or suspected abuse.

This is a wide-ranging course covering what e-Safety means and explores the various forms that online abuse can take and how to counter that abuse.

This course will give learners the knowledge they need to spot children, young people and adults at risk and suffering from online abuse.

Topics covered in this module include:-

• E-Safety for practitioners
• Cyber bullying, how it happens, its impacts on victims, and how to report and prevent it
• Sexting, what it is and how to deal with it
• Online abuse, what it is and how it happens

This course uses a multi-media approach to allow the learner to explore the content through videos, and explainer screens, with a range of challenges to check the knowledge gained.  On completion of this course the learners will be able to:-

• Explain what e-Safety is
• Identify how children and young people use technology and the internet
• Outline the benefits and risks of children and young people using technology and the internet
• Explain how to audit e-Safety and produce or update e-Safety policies
• Protect and manage personal data
• Identify and report abusive behaviour online
• Identify legislation that covers these issues, both across the UK as a whole and also as specific to Scotland, Northern Ireland and England and Wales
• Outline how online grooming occurs
• Explain how to report abuse and help victims, and give advice on staying safe online

You will learn:

• Identify key e-Safety practices
• Know how to report abusive online behaviour
• Identify the benefits and risks of children and young people using the internet
• Explain what is meant by cyberbullying, and identify who is at increased risk of cyberbullying
• Define sexting and explain its legal and criminal implications
• Explain different forms of online abuse regarding children, and the process of grooming

Who is it for?

• Teachers
• Governors
• Support Staff
• Volunteers
• Librarians
• Health and Social Care staff
• Care workers

Certification

After completing this course, you will be able to download a Virtual College certificate, which you can print for your records.

Course duration

The E-Safety course should take four to five hours to complete, but our e-learning courses are entirely self-paced, so this depends on your individual learning speed.

Safeguarding in Education

It is crucial that anyone working in education is able to spot the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect to ensure children are safeguarded.  This Safeguarding in Education online training course is CPD approved and has been tailored to those working in education such as Teachers, Teachers Assistants, Office Staff and much more.

Course description

Anyone working in education has a responsibility to ensure children are safeguarded from potential abuse or neglect.  Staff need to be able to recognise any of the signs or symptoms of abuse and how to report them to the correct authority.

It is a statutory requirement for anyone who works with children to have up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding policies, legislation and guidance so they can proactively focus on keeping them safe from harm and maintain the ability to act on any concerns about the safety and welfare of children and young people.

Why take this course?

The Department of Education states 'everybody who comes into contact with children and their families has a role to play in safeguarding children'.  It is the duty of schools and colleges to priortise this responsibility at the highest level.

The Safeguarding in Education course has been created with child protection in mind, giving advice and information for schools and college staff using practical, real-life examples.  The course is written by safeguarding experts with over 100 years' joint experience in the education sector.

It is a statutory requirement that all staff working with children receive appropriate child protection training. 

You will learn

• To recognise the legislation and guidance that governs safeguarding children in education
• Identify safe working practices in education settings
• Recognise the importance of early intervention and specific safeguarding issues
• Recognise the signs of abuse and neglect
• Identify what to do if you have concerns about children
• Illustrate how safeguarding children works in practice

Who is it for?

Roles including:

• Administrators
• Reception staff
• Teachers
• Teaching assistants
• Early years practitioners
• Safeguarding teams

Certification

After completing this course, you will be able to download a Virtual College certificate, which you can print for your records.

Course duration

This course should take eight to 10 hours to complete, but our e-learning courses are entirely self-paced, so this depends on your individual learning speed.

Please note that whilst this e-learning course is free, failure to complete within 30 days of allocation with result in a £15 charge.

To register for this course, please click here

Level 2 - Safeguarding Children

This course introduces key areas of safeguarding and is suitable for a range of roles including administrators, teaching assistants and early years practitioners.  This course will ensure you have up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding policies, legislation and guidance, and includes ways you can reduce the risk of abuse, the signs and symptoms of different types of abuse, and the impact well-known child abuse and neglect cases have had on legislation.

Course description

This Level 2 Safeguarding Children introduces safeguarding as a topic and covers key safeguarding areas such as, safeguarding jargon, working in a multi-agency approach and best practice.

This Level 2 course will give learners the knowledge they need to be able to identify the signs and symptoms of abuse and what they need to do if they suspect a child is being abused or discloses sensitive information to them.

It is a statutory requirement for anyone who works with children to have up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding policies, legislation and guidance so they can proactively focus on keeping them safe from harm and maintain the ability to act on any concerns about the safety and welfare of children and young people.

Why take this Level 2 Safeguarding Children course

If you are someone who regularly comes into contact with children in your work and needs to reach a more advanced level of safeguarding knowledge, then this course has been designed for you.

This Level 2 safeguarding children training gives you a deeper understanding of safeguarding issues and how to effectively report them when abuse is suspected.

To help you apply your knowledge in everyday life, real-world scenarios are used.  These scenarios and the supporting case studies will enable you to see how your training can apply to you in your role.  A key aim of this training is to provide you with strong context to the training so they can easily relate to the situations presented to you within the the training.

On completion of the course, you will be able to:-

• Apply the changes to practice made over the past three years to your work.
• Identify different levels of harm and follow the appropriate safeguarding procedures.
• Collect safeguarding children information from both a local and national context.

To ensure that the training is based on industry best practice, the content has been mapped to the following best practice frameworks:-

• Intercollegiate Framework
• Core Training Skills Framework
• National Competency Safeguarding Framework

What will you learn?

• The profound impact some well-known cases of child abuse and neglect have had on legislation.
• The ability to explain the importance of multi-agency co-operation.
• How to define safeguarding in respect to children and young people.
• What you need to do if a child makes a disclosure or if you suspect abuse.
• What whistleblowing is, what it is not and why it is important.
• Ways you can reduce the risk of abuse.
• The signs and symptoms of the different types of abuse.
• The roles and responsibilities Level 2 early years and young people practitioners may have.

Who should take this course

This Level 2 course is suitable for a range of roles which includes those who may frequently or regularly work with vulnerable children.  Some of these roles may include administrators and reception staff, teaching assistants, early years practitioners and safeguarding teams.

Duration

Approximately one to two hours. The length of time taken depends entirely on how quickly you can study and absorb the material. You can proceed as quickly or slowly as you like.

Please note that whilst this e-learning course is free, failure to complete within 30 days of allocation will result in a £15 charge.

To register for this course, please click here

Mental Health Awareness

This online Mental Health Awareness training looks at how you can improve your own mental health and wellbeing and the positive affect that will have on your life.  This mental health awareness course has been designed to provide learners with a greater understanding of mental health, identifying personal stressors and actions that can be taken to reduce them.

Course Description

This course covers the different aspects of your life and how you can improve your mental health and wellbeing in those areas.  Aimed at anyone who wishes to improve their mental health and wellbeing the course takes around one hour to complete.

Approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK could suffer from mental health at least once a year with 1 in 6 people in England reporting common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.

Whilst there has not been a significant rise in mental health problems in recent years, people are finding it harder to cope with the illness, with self-harm and suicidal thoughts increasing.

Having positive mental health in the workplace can lead to an increase in productivity and morale which can have a good effect on your colleagues.

This course is suitable for anyone who wishes to improve mental health and wellbeing and it can help improve your understanding of it.

Who should take this course and why?

This course is aimed at anyone who wishes to learn more about improving their mental health and wellbeing.

What does this course cover?

Take this course to improve your understanding of your own mental health and wellbeing.

Training outcomes for this course are as follows:-

• Identify personal stressors and actions that can be taken to relieve them.
• Compare workplace factors and their effect on personal wellbeing management.
• Determine factors affecting clear communication and identify best practice for positive communication.
• Describe types of positive mindset and how they can be adopted.
• Summarise the role of physical health in mental health and the areas in which personal improvements can be made.
• Identify the stigma and cultural issues attached to mental health and actions for overcoming them.

Please note that whilst this e-learning course is free, failure to complete within 30 days of allocation will result in a £15 charge.

To register for this training, please click here

Suicidal Thoughts

Course Description

Being able to identify the signs and symptoms of someone suffering from suicidal thoughts is crucial for anyone who works with children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Lack of mental wellbeing in children, young people and vulnerable adults can lead to suicidal thoughts and suicidal ideation.

This course goes into the reasons for such thoughts, explains why some people are vulnerable, and gives guidance on how to support people in this situation.

This course covers the following:

• A definition of suicidal thoughts and mental wellbeing
• A description of suicidal ideation and how to identify it
• Statistics behind suicidal thoughts and suicide itself
• Why some people are vulnerable to suicidal thoughts
• Vulnerabilities for substance misuse, social isolation and other external influences
• The risks specific to adults and teenagers
• Guidance, how to assess risk, strengths-based practice, information sharing, interventions and how to help.

The course includes a range of scenarios to enable the learner to reflect on their own practice and engage in their learning, it also includes knowledge check challenges throughout.

You will learn

• Explain what is meant by suicidal ideation and outline why people can experience it
• Describe how prevalent suicide is
• Identify and explain risk factors for suicidal ideation and outline why adolescents are at an increased risk
• Identify behaviours associated with suicidal ideation
• Explain how to respond to someone who is experiencing suicidal ideation

Who is it for?

Roles including:-

• Teachers
• Teaching Assistants
• Social Workers
• Police
• Volunteers
• Care workers
• School support staff

Certification

On completion of this course you will be able to download a Virtual College certificate.

Duration

Approximately 1 - 2 hours. The length of time taken depends entirely on how quickly you can study and absorb the material. You can proceed as quickly or slowly as you like.

Please note that whilst this e-learning course is free, failure to complete within 30 days will result in a £15 charge.

To register for this course, please click here

Understanding Animal Welfare in Violent Homes

Course Description

This course will be of interest to professionals working with families with pets and will help them to recognise those at risk of physical and mental abuse.

Overview

This course has been developed as a result of significant research findings, which show that "when animals are abused, people are at risk; when people are abused, animals are at risk".

This safeguarding course has been designed to help frontline staff understand the link between family abuse and animal abuse, and is aimed at all professionals who have a responsibility to safeguard vulnerable children, young people and adults at risk.

Why take this course?

The course provides a basic understanding of what animal abuse is, how to spot the signs, as well as to understand the recognised link between family abuse and animal abuse, and understand what to do if you have suspicions of abuse.

Free SETDAB E-Learning courses

Southend Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board (SETDAB) offer a range of free e-learning courses which cover the following areas:-

• Domestic Abuse Basic Awareness 
• LGBTQ+ Community and Domestic Abuse Awareness
• Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) Awareness
• Domestic Abuse and Substance Misuse
• Domestic Abuse and Older People

These packages can be accessed by professionals, via the ESCA academy partnership e-learning platform.  The site is free to use for organisations across Southend, Essex and Thurrock.

Sexual Violence and Abuse - Awareness

This self-paced e learning module seeks to raise awareness of sexual violence and abuse.  It aims to equip individuals with the tools to have an understanding of what sexual violence and abuse is, the meaning of consent and how to respond appropriately to disclosures.  This is available to individuals who work in partnership across Thurrock or provide a service to Thurrock residents. The training is suitable for local authority staff, police officers, GPs, NHS staff, representatives of churches, faith and community groups and the third sector and voluntary organisations.

 The learning objectives of this training are:

 To have a basic awareness of what sexual violence and abuse (SVA) is.

• To understand the meaning of consent, especially in terms of sexual offences legislation.
• To know how to respond appropriately to disclosures of SVA.

 To undertake this course, please click here

There is no charge for this course.

Learning from Reviews across Southend, Essex and Thurrock

The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Boards have noticed a common theme appearing in multiple reviews (Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews, Safeguarding Adult Reviews and Domestic Homicide Reviews) across both the children and adult sectors, and that is the concept of ‘Think Family’.

Think Family

Think Family means securing better outcomes for adults, children and families by coordinating the support and delivery of services from all organisations.  When an individual first has contact with any service they should receive a welcome into a system of joined-up support and safeguarding together with coordination between adult and children's services.

In order to achieve this, services working with both adults and children should take into account family circumstances and responsibilities. Families do not exist in isolation, they are part of a wider network and Think Family aims to promote the importance of a whole-family approach, ensuring practitioners work in partnership and collaboration with families recognising and promoting resilience and helping them to build their capabilities.

The Family Network

Families can be complex and could mean many things to different people, for example it could be blood relatives, it could be community, cultural or religious groups or it could be friends. It’s about learning who is involved in an individual’s everyday life and working out the links between the different people, using genograms for example, bearing in mind there may be influential people in the family circle who don’t visit regularly (if they live abroad for example).

Cross-generational issues

Evidence from reviews continue to highlight cross generational issues, including where family relationships and dynamics have been factors. For example:

• Families where dementia has changed the family dynamics and family members are struggling to cope
• Aging parents unable to continue to care for their vulnerable adult children
• Parents trying to support their adult children with significant addiction issues or mental health issues
• A domestic abuse victim who attempts to end an abusive relationship, resulting in custody disputes over children.  Children can also be victims of domestic abuse.
• Stalking behaviours from an ex-partner and consideration of the potential for multiple and secondary victims.

Best practice

Identified areas of best practice include:-

• Have an identified lead professional who co-ordinates the agencies involved especially where there are complex needs
• Ensure carers are offered appropriate support including recognition that the carer may be caring for multiple family members
• Early help may occur at any point in a person's life and should include interventions for emerging issues to support people to achieve the best outcomes for them
• Work together, share information and have a mutual respect
• Have open and honest communication with the person you are working with and listen to the family

Think Family Resources

To help practitioners better understand the concept of Think Family, we have created a suite of resources which can be used individually or in team meetings/development sessions to enhance the work you do and the outcomes for the people you work with.

Podcast - The Children and Adult Safeguarding Boards across Southend, Essex and Thurrock, alongside the SET Domestic Abuse Board are pleased to launch their first joint podcast - a real multi-agency approach with seven boards represented, featuring:-

• Alison Gilmour, Head of the Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Partnership
• Cheryl Gerrard, Associate Designated Nurse Safeguarding (Mid Essex) Safeguarding Team
• Louise McSpadden, Safeguarding Service Manager for Essex County Council
• Ruth Murdock, Strategic Lead, Quality Assurance in Thurrock Children's Services

The podcast covers the concept of Think Family, what reviews have taught us and what good practice looks like.  It can be accessed by clicking here.  Also available is a transcript of the podcast, which can be accessed by clicking here

Partner websites

Information can be found on all Board/Partnership websites as follows:-

www.escb.co.uk

www.safeguardingsouthend.co.uk

www.setdab.org

https://www.essexsab.org.uk/

https://www.thurrocksab.org.uk/

Seven Minute Briefings

Welcome to 7-minute briefings!

Due to the increasing pressures on services, we understand that it can be difficult to release staff to attend training.  In order to encourage continuous learning and maintain a skilled workforce, Thurrock LSCP have introduced 7-minute briefings as a quick and simple way to share learning on a range of safeguarding topics.

7-minute briefings are based on a technique borrowed from the FBI.  In a world of increasing pressures and demands on time, it can be hard to find the time for learning and development.  Learning from 7-minute briefings is manageable in most services, and learning is more memorable as it is simple and not clouded by other issues and pressures.

Clearly such short briefings will not have all the answers, but it is hoped that they will act as a catalyst to help teams and their managers to discuss and reflect on their practice and systems.

We would like to encourage all agencies to record or evidence how they have used these 7-minute briefings on the Action Plan Template, which we will seek to gain copies of for the purposes of Thurrock LSCP's quality assurance audits.

The briefings can be downloaded below:

• • Contextual Safeguarding (July 2022)
  • Prevent (July 2022)
  • Professional Curiosity (August 2022)
  • Rapid Review (August 2022)
  • Safer Sleep (August 2022)
  • What is a 7 minute briefing (July 2022)
  • What is the LADO (August 2022)
  • Who and what is the LSCP (July 2022)
  • Hate Crime (October 2024)
  • 7 Minute Briefing - Stalking Awareness 

Safeguarding Videos and Short Films

DOCUMENTARY - BANAZ A LOVE STORY

SUBJECT AREA - HONOUR BASED ABUSE

A documentary that portrays the events leading to the tragic death of a young woman. 

Violence and Vulnerabilities Webinars

Following the previous webinars run, SET are currently organising further Violence and Vulnerabilities Webinars. As these are arranged, they will be added to the list below.

• Anti Racist Practice Webinar

Anti-Racist Practice Webinar

Wednesday 8th November 2023

10.00 till 12.30 via MS Teams

Southend, Essex and Thurrock (SET) are pleased to offer practitioners the opportunity to attend these FREE webinar presented by Shantel Thomas.

This webinar aims to share theoretical and research informed knowledge in relation to racism and the notion of becoming anti-racist allies, from a number of perspectives, using a range of materials.  It is aimed to invite participants to think about anti-racism within their organisation and team context. The course holds relationship-based, anti-racist practice at its heart and is based on a model for achieving emotionally intelligent, critically reflective, curious conversations, in a safe space.

Participants will be invited to consider their own individual identity and position in relation to power, white privilege and black and global majority empowerment and develop their own personal mission statement for their learning on the workshop.  The group will be invited into a shared online space, with an ethos of collaborative learning, where we will co-create shared responsibility for our learning together about this important and often under-explored issue.

This webinar will provide an opportunity for participants to:

• Understand how our unique history and biography shapes us, each other and our culture.
• Take ownership of our positions of power and privilege and how this is informed by other intersecting factors which shape our identity.
• Exploring the individual, institutional, societal and global levels of complexity and structural inequality which creates a culture of racism, oppression and discrimination.
• Consider how to contribute to a revolution of allyship, which embraces the notion of actively becoming anti-racist in everything we feel, think and do, captured in a final personal pledge.

To book onto this training, please click here

By submitting the application, you agree to the terms and conditions of the below declaration:-

1. I confirm that I have read the attendance criteria and learning outcomes and believe that I will significantly benefit from this learning and that I meet the criteria.
2. I will take all necessary steps to ensure that the learning outcomes are reinforced in the workplace.
3. My Line Manager has agreed to me undertaking this training.
4. I agree to complete initial feedback at the end of this training session and will complete the follow up feedback six weeks later.  I am aware that failure to complete either of these feedbacks will result in notification to my manager and I will not receive my certificate of attendance, which may affect my compliance to meet any statutory requirements.
5. I understand that places will be allocated by Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership.
6. I understand that my details may be securely and confidentially retained by Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership for statistical and information purposes only.
7. For non-chargeable courses, I agree to reimburse Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership for late cancellation or non-attendance, without 5 working days notice.

DATA PROTECTION

In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018, the information provided on this form will be held for the purposes of training and development.  This information will be stored securely in electronic format and any original hard copies disposed of as confidential waste.  The information will be processed by members of the LSCP Business Team and will be kept in accordance with retention policies.  It may be shared with other LSCP members for the purposes of audit and scrutiny.

Reporting Concerns and links to further information

Worried about a child?

Contact the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)

You can phone, email or write. If you believe it is urgent ring immediately:

Thurrock MASH 
Civic Offices
New Road, Grays,
Essex   
RM17 6SL

01375 652802

thurrockmash@thurrock.gov.uk

Thurrock Council Emergency Duty Team (for out of hours)

01375 372468

Police Child Abuse Investigation Team
CAll 101

or
Call 999 if you are concerned a child needs immediate protection

Childline
0800 11 11
www.childline.org.uk

NSPCC

0808 800 5000
nspcc.org.uk

Understanding Criminal Neglect of a Child

What Is Neglect:

The offence is committed if a parent or the legal guardian, or other person  legally liable to maintain a child or young person has willfully neglected the child in a manner likely to cause injury to health by failing to provide adequate food, clothing, medical aid or lodging or, if having been unable to provide such items, they fail to take steps to procure them.

Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to provide adequate food, clothing and shelter ( including exclusion from home or abandonment); protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger; ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers; ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.

Neglect is the ongoing failure to meet a child's basic needs and is the most common form of child abuse.

A child may be left hungry or dirty, without adequate clothing, shelter, supervision, medical or health care.

A child may be put in danger or not protected from physical or emotional harm.
They may not get the love, care and attention they need from their parents.
A child who's neglected will often suffer from other abuse as well. Neglect is dangerous and can cause serious, long-term damage - even death.

Types Of Neglect:

Physical neglect
Failing to provide for a child’s basic needs such as food, clothing or shelter. Failing to adequately supervise a child, or provide for their safety.

Educational neglect
Failing to ensure a child receives an education.

Emotional neglect
Failing to meet a child’s needs for nurture and stimulation, perhaps by ignoring, humiliating, intimidating or isolating them. It’s often the most difficult to prove.

Medical neglect
Failing to provide appropriate health care, including dental care and refusal of care or ignoring medical recommendations

For more information about criminal neglect and how to report potential child abuse to police please use

https://www.essex.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse

Children's Health Matters

We know that it's worrying when children are unwell. The Children's Health Matters campaign run by Mid and South Essex NHS and Integrated Care System aims to support parents and carers to look after their children's health and recognise when they are unwell.

The campaign website offers practical advice and guidance on lots of health topics including:       

• What to do if your child is unwell
• Sepsis
• Head injuries
• Measles                      
• Asthma
• Oral Health
• Mental Wellbeing
• Healthy Lifestyle habits

Find out more by clicking this link

Early Years Oral Health Programme

The project aims to increase awareness of good oral health practices, and knowledge of dental services available, to decrease the number of Thurrock children needing to be admitted to hospital for tooth extractions. This programme aims to instill good oral health habits from a young age by targeting children from birth to 8 years of age.

Here are some top tips and resources to support parent and carers to look after their child's teeth:

https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/health/campaigns/child-health/childrens-oral-health/

Need to Find a Dentist?

Why it's important that your child attends their health appointments

If an appointment has been arranged by yourself or a health professional then it is important that you take your child, as they cannot take themselves and they rely on you as a parent or carer to do your best.

• Attending regular appointments will help the professional you are seeing build a good picture of your child’s health and how best they can treat or support you, especially with long term health conditions like asthma or epilepsy.
• If there is a reason that you cannot attend, then talk to the health professional to see if they can help for example change time or location of appointment.
• If you make an appointment for your child and you then feel they are better, do not forget to phone and cancel so this appointment could be offered to someone else

  Professionals are not there to judge but want to support your child and family to be the healthiest they can.

How to register with a GP

1. Type in find a GP into browser and select option: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp/
2. Enter your postcode and click search.
3. This will give you all options of GP surgeries in your area, if they are accepting new patients and if you click on the surgery, you will get more information of services they offer.
4. Follow the Register online link for your choice of surgery or go along and ask to register at the surgery.
5. If you need more information visit https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/how-to-register-with-a-gp-surgery/

NHS - Better Health Healthier Families

Visit the Better Health Healthier Families Website

The Better Health Healthier Families website is a great resource for parents for lots of easy ways to eat well and move more. Find out how taking one small step after another can soon add up to make a big difference. You can sign up to emails and get loads of easy tips, tasty recipes on a budget and much more straight to your inbox.

The NHS also have some helpful physical activity guidelines for children and young people which you can find below:

Physical activity guidelines for children (under 5 years) - NHS

Physical activity guidelines for children and young people - NHS

Young Person Drug and Alcohol Service

Whether it is the young person or someone in their family that is addicted to drugs or alcohol, there is support locally to help them from Open Road. Open Road work with children and young people from the age of 10 years old. 

Find out more about Open Road, what they do and how you can access their services from the flyer and weblink below:

Open Road Thurrock poster

openroad.org.uk - Thurrock young person drug and alcohol service

Effects of passive smoking on children and how to get help to quit

Secondhand smoke is dangerous, especially for pregnant women and children. The best way to protect loved ones is to quit smoking.

Passive smoking is especially harmful for children as they have less well-developed airways, lungs and immune systems.

Children who live in a household where at least 1 person smokes are more likely to develop:

• asthma
• chest infections – like pneumonia and bronchitis      
• meningitis
• ear infections
• coughs and colds

Children are particularly vulnerable in the family car where secondhand smoke can reach hazardous levels even with the windows open.

Pregnant women who smoke or who are exposed to passive smoke are more prone to premature birth and their baby is more at risk of low birthweight and sudden infant death syndrome.

Where to get help if you want to give up smoking:

Residents in Thurrock can get support to quit smoking through their GP or the Thurrock Healthy Lifestyle Service. You can call Thurrock Healthy Lifestyle Service on 0800 292 2299, email thls@thurrock.gov.uk or find more information at the link below:

thurrock.gov.uk - help to stop smoking

If your child has Asthma

Although asthma can be kept under control, it's still a serious condition that can cause a number of problems. This is why it's important to follow your child's treatment plan and not ignore any symptoms if they're getting worse.

You can find information, advice and support to help your child stay well with their asthma, reduce the risk of asthma attacks and prevent avoidable harm by following the links below.

Children who live in a household where at least 1 person smokes are more likely to develop asthma. Visit our page on support to quit smoking if this is something you need help with.

www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/health/campaigns/child-health/asthma/

 www.asthmaandlung.org.uk - Managing your child's Asthma

https://thurrocklscp.org.uk/lscp/childrens-health-matters/effects-of-passive-smoking-on-children-and-how-to-get-help-to-quit

If your child has Diabetes

Diabetes is associated with long term complications, especially if poorly controlled. Good control of blood sugar reduces the long term risks which include eye and kidney disease, heart disease and stroke.

Having a child with diabetes can be difficult sometimes. Diabetes UK are a great resource if you need support and for any information you might need as your child grows up. Access their website below:

www.diabetes.org.uk - children-and-diabetes

If your child has Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a long-term condition and for children and young people diagnosed with epilepsy, it can have a significant impact on their quality of life including social, educational and employment activity. Active management of epilepsy improves health outcomes and can reduce emergency admissions. In addition, it can also help to support mental health and wellbeing and minimise impacts on social, educational and employment activity. 

If you are a parent or carer of a child with epilepsy you and your child may feel anxious about managing the condition. Young Epilepsy is a great resource for both the young person and their parents or carers with lots of support, information and advice. You can access the website below:

https://www.youngepilepsy.org.uk/

Children and Young People's Mental Health and Wellbeing

The Southend, Essex and Thurrock Child and Adolescents Mental Health Service (SET CAMHS) provides advice and support to children, young people and families who are in need of support with their emotional wellbeing or mental health difficulties.  

Any young person, concerned parent, care giver or a responsible adult of a young person can access the SET CAMHS by either making an appointment to see their young person’s GP with them, or accessing their services for information.

Find out more about the service and how to access it here:

Southend, Essex and Thurrock (SET) CAMHS | NELFT NHS Foundation Trust

How to get in touch and refer | NELFT NHS Foundation Trust

If it is an emergency, immediate danger to life or safety, dial 999 or visit Accident and Emergency (A&E).

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Another valuable online resource is Young Minds. The site can provide young people with the tools to look after their mental health and empower adults to be the best support they can be to the young people in their lives. Access the Young Minds website below:

YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People

Are you at risk of eviction or homelessness?

It can be a very worrying time when you are at risk of becoming homeless. Listed below are a number of useful webpages you can visit to get further support and advice:

• • If you're homeless or likely to become homeless - Homelessness - Thurrock Council
  • Home repossession: Get advice - GOV.UK
  • Private renting for tenants: evictions in England: Rules your landlord must follow - GOV.UK
  • Homelessness Advice - Shelter England
  • Section 21 eviction - Shelter England

Damp and Mould

Children living in a damp home are at risk of developing breathing problems and other issues such as coughs and chest infections. This could be especially concerning if your child also has Asthma.

Damp can cause mould to grow on the walls and ceilings and if you have got mould at home, you will probably notice fuzzy black, white or green patches on the walls, ceilings or tiles.  You might notice it’s more damp and mouldy in bathrooms or kitchens because of condensation from washing and cooking. Condensation happens when water in the air comes into contact with a cold surface e.g. wall or window.

Thurrock Council have produced a leaflet for their tenants with helpful advice and information on dealing with condensation, damp and mould which can be found here:

Wipe out condensation, damp and mould

If you are a council tenant and are still suffering with excessive dampness and mould after following the advice in the above leaflet you can contact:

Housing repairs

0800 074 0169

repairs@thurrock.gov.uk

This line is free to call and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Emails will be answered within 48 hours, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

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Shelter England also offer advice and guidance for social housing tenants and private renters:

Damp and Mould in Social Housing - Shelter England

Damp and Mould in Private Rented Homes - Shelter England

Fire safety advice and free home safety visits

Knowing how to reduce the risk of fire in your home is an important part of living safe and well. Essex County Fire & Rescue Service offer free Home Safety Visits to all Essex residents.

If you do not have working smoke alarms, or have working smoke alarms but would like more information about how to live safely and securely at home, book one of their free visits today.

You can find further information and how to request a visit below:

Book a Home Safety Visit - Essex County Fire and Rescue Service

If you would prefer not to request a home visit, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service are also encouraging residents to complete their own online home fire safety check to evaluate their own fire risk at home. By answering some simple questions about your home, lifestyle, smoke alarms, cooking and fire escape plans you will be provided with tailored advice and handy tips to help reduce the risk of a fire in your home.  In some cases, it may suggest that they do attend your property to give in-person advice and fit smoke alarms if required. You can find the link to the online safety check below:

Online Home Fire Safety Check | Essex County Fire and Rescue Service

Finally, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service have a whole webpage dedicated to parents and carers with lots of advice and tips on fire safety at home and educating your children about the dangers of fire. See the link below:

Fire Safety Advice for Parents and Carers

Well Homes Scheme in private housing

Thurrock Well Homes is a scheme to improve the housing conditions and the health and well-being of residents living in private properties.

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)

Anti-social behaviour is any act that causes – or is likely to cause – alarm, harassment or distress. It is also any act that can cause nuisance or annoyance related either to housing or where the affected person is living.

Types of anti-social behaviour include:

• noise nuisance
• drug taking and dealing
• threatening or rowdy behaviour
• violence and disorder
• vandalism

Anti-social behaviour, hate crime and domestic abuse can severely affect the quality of life for individuals, families and communities.

Reporting anti-social behaviour:

To report ASB caused by a council tenant or affecting a council tenant, you can either contact your estate officer or use the form below:

Anti-social behaviour - council tenant report - Thurrock Council

To report any ASB you can contact Essex Police or Crimestoppers anonymously:

Contact Us - Essex Police

Giving information anonymously - Crimestoppers

Essex Police In Your Area - Let's Talk

Gangs & Child Exploitation in Thurrock - online awareness sessions for parents and carers

Dates: 19 June 2025, 18 September 2025 and 4 December 2025

Online via Microsoft Teams

17:30 - 18:30

The LSCP, in collaboration with Thurrock Council's Child Exploitation and Gangs co-ordinator, are pleased to offer Parents and Carers the opportunity to attend a one hour awareness raising session with the aim of increasing knowledge of Gangs and Child Criminal Exploitation.

This session will identify the harms associated with gangs and county lines and will look at practical advice on how to support a young person who you may be concerned about in relation to exploitation.

Book your space using this link

A week before the date of your session, you will be sent through a calendar invite and email containing the MS Teams link

The law on school attendance

Parents are expected to: Ensure their child attends every day that the school is open.

The law on school attendance and right to a full-time education

The law entitles every child of compulsory school age to an efficient, full-time education suitable to their age, aptitude, and any special educational need they may have. It is the legal responsibility of every parent to make sure their child receives that education either by attendance at a school or by education otherwise than at a school.

Where parents decide to have their child registered at school, they have an additional legal duty to ensure their child attends that school regularly. This means their child must attend every day that the school is open, except in a small number of allowable circumstances such as being too ill to attend or being given permission for an absence in advance from the school.

For some children, attending school every day will be harder than for others. This is why schools, and local councils in some cases, are committed to working together with families to solve problems and support your child's school attendance.

All settings must follow the Department for Education document ‘Working together to improve school attendance - Statutory guidance for maintained schools, academies, independent schools and local authorities August 2024’.

The DfE monitors attendance carefully and all schools are required to submit daily attendance returns to them.

How attendance is calculated? 

Attendance is measured by the number of sessions a child is in school. There are two sessions a day and a register is taken once in the morning and once in the afternoon. There are 10 sessions in a school week, children must attend all 10 sessions each week to achieve 100% attendance.

Schools use a system that calculates how many times a child was expected to be in school and how many they were in school for. This gives the school an attendance percentage for each child.

It is vitally important that children must arrive in school before the close of  the registers – the time this happens varies from school to school. All schools are expected to set out in their attendance policy the length of time the register will be open, after which a pupil will be recorded as absent. This should be the same for every session and not longer than 30 minutes.  Schools should actively discourage late arrival and be alert to patterns of late arrival. Arrival after the close of registers will be treated as an absence for the morning or afternoon session.  

Why School Attendance is Important

Why is school attendance important?

School attendance is essential for pupils to get the most out of their school experience, including their attainment, wellbeing, and wider life chances. The pupils with the highest attainment at the end of key stage 2 and key stage 4 have higher rates of attendance over the key stage compared to those with the lowest attainment.

At KS2, pupils not meeting the expected standard in reading, writing and maths had an overall absence rate of 4.7%, compared to 3.5% among those meeting the expected standard. Also, the overall absence rate of pupils not meeting the expected standard was higher than among those meeting the higher standard (4.7% compared to 2.7%).

At KS4, pupils not achieving grade 9 to 4 in English and maths had an overall absence rate of 8.8%, compared to 5.2% among those achieving grade 4. The overall absence rate of pupils not achieving grade 9 to 4 was over twice as high as those achieving grade 9 to 5 (8.8% compared to 3.7%).

For the most vulnerable pupils, regular attendance is also an important protective factor and the best opportunity for needs to be identified and support provided. Research has shown associations between regular absence from school and a number of extrafamilial harms, including crime (the proportion of children that had been cautioned or sentenced who had been persistently absent from school was 81% and for serious violence offences this was 85%).

What parents and carers can do to support school attendance

Speak to the school first and explain the issues affecting your child’s attendance, the school is asked to listen and understand.

Schools may also contact parents and carers when they spot an absence pattern. They may ask for a discussion with you and your child/children, to listen to and understand attendance barriers and agree a way to work together to resolve them.

It is vitally important that parents engage with the school to enable this process.  Many Schools have a Pastoral Support Team, some may have access to the Mental Health Support Team worker (MHST) or have access to a Counsellor. Many schools have staff who have received training on Supporting Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA).  

As part of their work with parents/carers, schools are asked to facilitate support which may include removing barriers in school, (where possible) and providing help for pupils and parents to access the support they need to overcome the barriers outside of school. This might include an early help or whole family plan where absence is a symptom of other wider issues. Once again, parents/carers are strongly encouraged to engage with any support which is offered. 

The guide linked below, from the Department for Education, provides the following guidance for parents/carers:

• Parent responsibilities for school attendance and what you need to do when your child needs to be absent.
• How schools and local authorities will work with you to support your child's attendance.

 Working Together to Improve School Attendance

Thurrock Family Hubs also offer information, advice and guidance drop in sessions on education matters and supporting your children in education. This includes support they could get, funding that may be available to you and any other areas of interest. Information is also available on education for children with social care intervention at any level.

Please use the link below to access the family hub web pages and see their activity schedules:

Family hubs | Thurrock Council

What to do about school if your child is unwell

Children with Special Educational Needs

Thurrock's SEND Local Offer gives children and young people in the borough, who have Special Educational Needs (SEN) and/or a disability, information in one place. The Thurrock Local Offer aims to provide clear, comprehensive and accessible information about what services and provisions are available in Thurrock for parents and young people. Follow the link below to the site:

Welcome to the Thurrock SEND Local Offer | Ask Thurrock

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You can also visit PATT SENDIASS - Parent Advisory Team Thurrock - SENDIASS are the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service for children and young people with SEND and their parents or carers.

To see what support they offer and to access their online resources you can click the link to their website below:

https://www.patt.org.uk/

The effects of child poverty and the cost of living crisis

Child poverty can have a wide range of negative effects on children, including:

• Poorer physical and mental health
• Lower educational attainment
• Social exclusion
• Limited life opportunities.

Child poverty can stem from difficulty affording basic necessities like food, clothing and heating, which impacts a child's overall development and wellbeing throughout life.

As a country we are now in the middle of a cost of living crisis, where the prices of essential goods like food, energy, and housing has rapidly increased, outpacing the growth of most people's incomes. This is leading to a significant decline in real living standards. 

The aim of this section is to signpost Thurrock parent and carers to all the support on offer, helping them provide safe, healthy and happy lives for their children.

This section will be looking at financial support, benefit support and local charities.

We understand that providing activities and experiences for your children can also be expensive, so you will find another section further down this webpage advertising all our free local community events for Thurrock children and families.

Essential Living Fund

Help under the Essential Living Fund (ELF)

Eligibility

You can claim from the 1 October 2024 if you are:

• 16 or over
• a resident in the Thurrock Council area
• on a low income or with little or no resources
• and you fit at least one of the criteria

Criteria

1. You need help establishing in the community following a stay of at least 3 months:

• in an institution
• in a care home
• in local authority care
• in a hostel
• in a prison or similar,
• or as part of a planned resettlement programme following an unsettled way of life.

2. You need help to remain in the community rather than enter an institution or care home in which you will receive care.

3. You need help to ease exceptional pressures on yourself and your family.

Please note being on a low income alone is not an indicator of exceptional pressure. There must be a circumstance that has applied greater pressure than normally associated with a low income, such as:

• breakdown of a relationship
• sudden domestic upheaval
• deterioration in a disability

4. You are unable to meet your immediate short term needs either because of an:

• unforeseen emergency in relation to some expenses
• unforeseen disaster (fire, flood etc)

Please note this does not apply to people:

• affected by the Government Welfare Reform Programme
• with delays to benefit applications
• whose money has been lost or stolen

5. You need help with travel costs to visit a partner, parent or child that is staying in a hospital or a rehabilitation centre outside the Thurrock Council area for 4 weeks or more.

Do I qualify

To see whether you qualify for the award you will need to answer questions about your:

• income
• earnings, and
• savings

You also need to give proof of your financial situation.

Assessment will be made of all other help you have received, or have available to you. This includes any support you have already received through any other support the Government have recently made available.

What the scheme covers

Where you fit the criteria to claim, the scheme can cover applications for:

• furniture
• household furnishings
• white goods
• clothing
• general living expenses - these are day to day living expenses such as:
  • groceries
  • toiletries
  • energy costs

If you are awarded the grant, you will receive your award by:

• AllPay card
• high quality recycled furniture from a reputable charity
• white goods from a reputable local dealer

How to apply

If you live within the Thurrock Borough, use this online form.

Further information

For more information please view the Thurrock ELF Policy

For more advice and guidance please see Essential Living Fund - FAQs

Coping with debt and unpaid rent

If you have problems paying your rent or other bills, you can contact Thurrock Citizens Advice Bureau:

Thurrock Foodbank

Thurrock Foodbank 

If you think you need help from Thurrock Foodbank there are a few simple steps to follow. The most important step is to get a foodbank voucher.

In order to provide the most appropriate help for the circumstances of your situation we work with local agencies. If they feel you are struggling to put food on the table, they will issue you with a foodbank voucher. The local agency can also provide long term support if needed to help address some of the issues behind the reasons for your crisis. Agencies we work with include: Citizens Advice, local health care providers, social services and Thurrock-based community groups and charities.

Find more information on the steps to follow to get help:

How to get help - Thurrock Foodbank

NHS Healthy Start Scheme

What is Healthy Start?

If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk.

If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops. We’ll add your benefit onto this card every 4 weeks.

You can use your card to buy:

• plain liquid cow’s milk
• fresh, frozen, and tinned fruit and vegetables
• fresh, dried, and tinned pulses
• infant formula milk based on cow’s milk

You can also use your card to collect:

• Healthy Start vitamins – these support you during pregnancy and breastfeeding
• vitamin drops for babies and young children – these are suitable from birth to 4 years old

Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by clicking the link below:

Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start)

Thurrock Cares

Thurrock Council and partners in the borough's community and voluntary groups have created Thurrock Cares, which makes it easy for residents to find the help they need to support with the cost of living.

There is lots of help out there for families and households who might be struggling. This includes local schemes which can help you with utility bills and household essentials; government help and benefits; the Well Homes initiative that can make your home warmer and cheaper to heat; and local organisations and voluntary groups that can help you make sure you have access to good food, warm clothes and advice on how to save money.

You can explore the website using the link below:

Thurrock Cares - home | Support with the cost of living | Thurrock Council

The 180 Project - Free School Uniform events

Family Hubs

Brighter Futures family hubs – formerly children's centres – support families in Thurrock with children between the ages of 0 to 18 years-old, or to 25 years-old for young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).

Family hub services include:

• information and advice for parents and carers
• drop-in sessions and activities for parents, carers and children
• child and family health services
• family and parenting support
• child development support
• baby and child play sessions
• SEND support for children and young people

For information on local support services during pregnancy and for families with a baby up to 2 years-old see the 'Start for Life' section.

Here's a list of the family hub locations and places with family hub services. Click on any of the locations to take you to further information about what they offer and what's on this month:

• Aveley Family Hub
• Chadwell Family Hub
• East Tilbury Village Hall
• Ockendon Family Hub
• Orsett Village Hall
• Purfleet-on-Thames Family Hub
• Stanford Family Hub
• Thameside Family Hub
• Tilbury Family Hub

Use the registration form below to register yourself and your child at any of our family hubs:

Brighter Futures family hubs - registration - Thurrock Council

Start for Life - supporting expectant parents and children aged 0-2

The Family Hubs have a focus on supporting expectant parents and children aged 0-2. This is called the Start for Life Local Offer and you can find out what is available and what's on in each Family Hub by clicking on the sections below:     

• Home Learning and Early Language
• Infant Feeding
• Midwifery
• Healthy Parent Child Relationship - 0-2
• Parenting Support - 0-2
• Mental Wellbeing before/after birth
• Playing with your child - 0-2

Thurrock Adult Community College - family activities

Family Sessions Include craft activities for all seasons, phonics and number activities to support younger children, arts and crafts for all ages and much much more!!

You can find further information on the Thurrock Adult Community College and how to enrol on their events by following this link.

Here are some upcoming events:

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Thurrock Libraries

If you live, work or study in Thurrock you can become a library member at any age.

It's free to join and you don’t need to show any proof of who you are. You can join online and collect your library card when you visit your chosen library. Join the library here.

If you join at your local library there are no forms to fill in, just ask a member of staff. If you are under 16 years-old, bring a parent or carer with you the first time you visit.

You can find out where the libraries are in Thurrock here.

There's so much going on for children and families in Thurrock's libraries. Keep up to date with events and activities by keeping an eye on their page: Activities and events | What's on at your library | Thurrock Council

Here's a look at some of their upcoming events:

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Other free events in Thurrock

This page is updated regularly so keep checking back to find out about free community events taking place in Thurrock!

I'm worried about exploitation

Exploitation is never your fault

Even if you went along with things at first.  Abusers are very clever in the way they manipulate young people.

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is a type of sexual abuse, when you are made or tricked into doing something sexual sometimes receiving something in return like love, affection, money, drugs or alcohol.

Need help or more information:-

• Faceup2it - information and advice about CSE for young people, developed by young people.
• Disrespect Nobody - campaign about health relationships and respect.
• Barnardos - Real Love Rocks - raising awareness around Child Sexual Exploitation and what a health and safe relationship is.

Criminal Exploitation

Criminal Exploitation includes gang crime and county lines.  A gang may claim control over territory in a community, and engaging either individually or collectively in violent behaviour or other types of criminal activity.

County lines is when gangs and organised crime networks groom and exploit children to sell drugs.  They may make you travel across counties, and they use dedicated mobile phone 'lines' to supply drugs.

If you have become involved in a gang, are being pressurised to engage in county lines activity and want help to get out of that lifestyle, the website below can offer support.  You can report exploitation (of yourself or a friend) to the Police on 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.  If you are on a train or in a station you can text British Transport Police on 61016.

Need help or more information:-

• Gangsline - provides help and support to young men and women involved in gang culture
• Essex Police video featuring Junior Smart (St Giles Trust) - speaks about his experience leaving a gang.

Trafficking/Modern Slavery

Trafficking is where children and young people are tricked, forced or persuaded to leave their homes and are moved or transported and then exploited, forced to work or sold.

It can happen to anyone.  You could only be taken next door or down the road - it's still classed as trafficking.

Need help or more information?

• Modern Slavery helpline - You can call the 24/7 Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 for free support.  They will offer you advice on your situation and on your options for getting out, if you want to.
• Advice for Young People - A leaflet produced by the NSPCC Child Trafficking Advice Centre (CTAC) Young People's Advisory Group

Online Exploitation

Being aware of the risk of technology, social media and the internet can play a massive part in helping you stay safe and avoid online exploitation, abuse or bullying.  Check out our staying safe online page for information on privacy settings, what to do if you receive indecent images and how to game online safely.

Need help or more information?

• Think U Know - Online safety resources
• Marie Collins Foundation Steering Clear of Indecent Images of Children - helping young men to stay safe online - This campaign aims to protect victims from online sexual abuse by guiding young men away from illegal content and driving awareness of the law so they can navigate their online environment safely and legally.

Indecent Images - Know the Law

Taking, making, sharing and possessing indecent images and pseudo-photographs of people under 18 is illegal.  It does not matter how old they look, looking at indecent images of under 18s is illegal.  Remember, those images are of real children and young people, and viewing them causes further harm.  The Home Office has published guidance to help young people understand the law on making and sharing indecent images of people under 18 years old.

Is she Legal? - Video

What should you do if you come across indecent images?

If you stumble across indecent images of children under 18 online, you can help by reporting it to the Internet Watch Foundation.

Consent

Consent means agreeing to do something.  When it comes to sex, this means someone agreeing to take part in a sexual activity.  Any sort of sexual contact without consent is illegal whatever the age of the people involved.  If someone does not give consent and a person still engages in a sexual act with them, this is sexual assault or rape.

For more information on consent - click here

Say no to nudes

If you have ever been asked to send photos of yourself that you are not comfortable with, and you do not know how to respond, there is a greet new app to help.  Zipit has a load of images and animations which you can send in response to deal with a situation before it gets out of hand, and it stops you being put in an awkward position.  Check out Molly's video on how to handle the pressure of being asked for nudes.

Operation Makesafe

Essex Police and local councils have teamed up and operation 'Operation Makesafe' across Essex.  This is a nationwide campaign to test how the hospitality respond to an exploitation scenario.  it focuses on whether hospitality staff have an awareness of the signs of exploitation and make reasonable steps to safeguard child from this potential harm.

This monitoring ensures the hospitality trade complies with duties set out in law and when issues arise in licensed premises then action is taken to reduce harm to children.  This monitoring tests out if staff ask safeguarding questions and attempt to contact the police to report concerns.  Hospitality staff are vital in spotting signs of possible exploitation and can help to safeguard children from this risk.  The hospitality trade often detect exploitation, report this whilst it is taking place so that children can be rescued an preserve evidence that could be used to successfully prosecute abusers.

We expect staff to:-

• Spot the signs of exploitation
• Take safeguarding steps
• Report exploitation activity

All of which are outlined on these webpages.  it is considered good practice to appoint a designated safeguarding children's lead on your premises who ensures all staff have access to safeguarding training and are aware how to record and report concerns.  We would advise that all staff are familiar with the guidance on these webpages and complete the free SET exploitation e-learning training.  You can even prepare your staff for monitoring by the police and council and explore their levels of awareness and responses with the 'Is or, or isn't it?' activity, or case study devised by NWG.

Hotels that have completed training authorised by Essex Police, Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership, Essex Safeguarding Children Board and Southend Local Safeguarding Children Partnership, such as CYP First, will have received a certificate confirming they have partnered with us under the Operation Makesafe scheme.

Please take the time to watch this Operation Makesafe presentation video from Southend, Essex and Thurrock (SET) Safeguarding Children Boards.

If you wish to arrange staff training by CYP First, please contact them on office@cypfirst.co.uk.  If you wish to ask further questions about the Operation Makesafe scheme please contact your local policing team by calling 101.

Please click here for a press release from Essex Police about testing that is being undertaken across Essex.

Preparing your employees

In preparation for an anonymous visit by Essex Police and the Council, to test your staff's safeguarding responses, you may wish to ensure they have a good level of awareness and are clear about expected responses.  You will find a case study to assist you in exploring possible scenarios with your staff plus an activity to help them to determine what is, and is not, a possible indicator of exploitation.

There is a useful video from Barnardos which could be used with employees. They could view and comment on the points in the video where the young person could be helped and how they could help.

Your staff could also undertake the SET exploitation e-learning to develop their awareness of exploitation.  We keep a record of everything that has successfully completed this training.

Some councils offer training to hospitality and licensed premised used by children to raise awareness of exploitation, such as the 'Spot It, Stop It' training.  Contact your local council to ask if training is available in your area.

Safeguarding children from exploitation in hotels

Safeguarding children from exploitation in hotels

Hotels can be hotspots for exploiting and trafficking children, no hotel is exempt from this risk so it is important for all hotels to take reasonable steps to protect children this this harm.  All hotels should have robust safeguarding policies in place so their staff adhere to the recommended safeguarding steps (see below) to protect children.  Failing to do this puts children at risk and premises can become an easy target for criminals to use.  Hotels can also suffer financial and reputational damage or run the risk of the revocation of their license under a Closure Order or prosecution via other child exploitation and trafficking orders.  Hospitality premises should also familiarise themselves with Chapter 29 on Licensing under the SET Procedures.

Some children have disclosed being abused in hotels and some hotels have spotted the signs and informed the police about exploitation activity.  When this happens, children can be rescued, freed from exploitation and evidence gathered to prosecute abusers preventing further victims being exploited.  Hotels can be used by county line networks and by those grooming or exploiting children and vulnerable adults.

Essex Police and local councils routinely test hotel safeguarding responses to ensure the hotel staff have an awareness of safeguarding children from exploitation and take reasonable steps to protect children from this harm.  Those who are deemed to be failing to do so could risk having a Closure Notice (Section 76 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act 2014) placed on their business and/or an application made to court for a Closure Order (close the premises for up to three months), or a criminal prosecution against an individual staff member under exploitation and trafficking legislation. 

Licenses could also be reviewed if premises are suspected of being used for child exploitation under Section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003.  Licensed premises have a duty to protect children on their premises from harm, including child sexual exploitation (revised guidance was added to the act in 2015) so licenses could be revoked if your premises are failing to protect children from exploitation.

Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership, in conjunction with Essex and Southend Children Partnerships and Essex Police, have created this webpage in order to support our business partners to drive out exploitation and trafficking from their hospitality premises to ensure they are safe and reputable premises.  It is essential that all staff in hospitality are aware of the signs of exploitation and how to intervene and report this activity.  This includes receptionists, night porters, housekeeping, duty managers, kitchen and catering staff.  

We recommend your premises creates clear policies to identify, record and respond to exploitation.  We have included a Safeguarding Checklist to assist you with this.

Spot the signs of exploitation

There are many signs of exploitation specific to the hospitality trade.  Below is a list of indicators all staff should be familiar with who work within the hospitality trade, put together by the NEG Network.  Being alert to these signs means that exploitation can be detected, police can be alerted whilst this occurs and evidence can be preserved, increasing the chances of successful prosecution and reducing the number of child victims.

You can find out more about the NWG and their "Say Something if you See Something" campaign on their website.  A printable version of the key indicators from the NWG can be accessed here.

Key indicators for the hotel Reception/Public areas:-

• Guests refusing to leave credit/debit card details and insist on paying with cash
• Guests requesting a room that is isolated
• Guests with a local address renting a room
• Guests who do not have any luggage or ID
• Guests who appear secretive about their visit
• Last minute walk-in bookings
• Booking made in different names than those checking-in
• Guests trying to conceal their activities in the room
• Guests requesting an isolated room that is more private
• Guests who do not want their room visited
• Guests who request their room is not cleaned
• Guests trying to conceal who they are with
• Guests with a young person who appears nervous, withdrawn or fearful and acts upon instructions
• Guests with a young person who appears disorientated or restricted from moving/communicating
• Guests ho do not speak the same language as the person checking in
• Young people with significantly older partners
• Young girls who appear overly made up (make-up/clothing) that is inappropriate for their age
• Young people loitering in public areas/external areas of premises
• Guests arriving and asking for a specific room number with no details of the booking name
• Guests who move in and out of the premises regularly at unusual hours
• Numerous visitors to be a room at regular intervals
• Unusual high traffic to guest room who do not appear to have a reason for being there
• Individuals who appear to be monitoring public areas
• Two or more adult males heading for a room may indicate a party
• Guests who access an excessive or unusual amount of pornography (TV or computer)
• Order alcohol to a room with underage people
• Checking out early

Housekeeing:

• Rooms with signs of sexual activity
• Guest rooms with a lot of condoms/condom wrappers
• Guest rooms with evidence of drug usage/drug paraphernalia (e.g. syringes. wraps, pipes, bongs, broken light bulbs, spoons, plastic bags, antiseptic wipes, prescription/over the counter drugs)
• Guests who refuse to have their room cleaned
• A hospitality suite with business men and young people (adults may be there or an event, conference or meeting)

Safeguarding and reporting steps

We recommend staff have access to, and refer, to the Safeguarding Checklist to prompt them to identify, record and respond to signs of exploitation.

When booking in quests to ask hospitality premises to always:-

• Ask for photo I.D. only for age verification checks
• Ask staff to make eye contact and engage in conversation to enquire about the reason for the guest's visit or stay
• Ash the young person if they are okay, they know the person they are with and feel safe being with them
• Report any concerns to Essex Police -
  • 101 if non urgent (or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111)
  • 999 if urgent (when booking in, state Operation Makesafe to police call handlers to help you report in a discrete manner)

Following booking in, we ask hospitality premises to always:

• Report any concerns to Essex Police
  • 101 if non urgent (or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111)
  • 999 if urgent (if guests are still present)
• Share all suspected activity with Essex Police via the above routes.  Keeping Refusal Records and Incident Logs will assist Police investigations so record descriptions of suspects and young people, vehicle number plates, key card use, payment methods and save CCTV recordings.
• Following checking out, if you suspect child exploitation has taken place, preserve evidence - do not move items, if person(s) have left the room, do not let anyone go into the room until the Police arrive or instruct you otherwise.

We suggest your premises adopts the following measures to minimise the opportunity to exploit children at your venue:

• Ask that guests only use the main entrance
• Restrict unregistered persons in guest rooms at night
• Install CCTV monitoring and retain CCTV recordings
• Undertake regular patrols (walk the hallways and perimeter)
• Display exploitation information and Operation Makesafe materials
• Include exploitation in your premises risk assessments
• Create a whistleblowing policy
• Invest in your staff training and discuss regularly in team meetings

Useful Documents

NWG - Checklist of Indicators of CSE for hotels

Safeguarding Checklist

Is it, or isn't it? - Activity

Case Study devised by NWG

Operation Makesafe presentation video

Safe to Play Campaign

The Safe to Play national campaign is being piloted in Thurrock to focus attention on the vital importance of safeguarding in sports clubs and physical activity providers.

Sports and other physical activities offer great ways for children and young people to develop their skills and confidence as well as having fun, but it comes as quite a surprise to many parents and carers that some may not actually be regulated.

There have been a number of instances, nationally and locally, where inappropriate behaviour and abuse has been perpetrated by adults in a position of trust within the area of sport.

We know that there are many sports clubs and physical activity providers that do provide an excellent service to children and young people and adhere to safeguarding guidelines.  We want to see all providers across the sporting spectrum making safeguarding a priority, particularly with the increasing local and national media coverage of children being exploited and abused within this field. Thurrock Local Safeguarding Childrens Partnership (LSCP) is committed to protecting children and young people from abuse and exploitation in all its forms, especially through sport and physical activity. The LSCP is launching the ‘Safe to Play’ campaign in partnership with The National Working Group (NWG). There are three main aims of the campaign: 

• To help and support parents and carers in taking a proactive role in researching the sports or physical activity that they consider for their child,
• To support children in raising their awareness of safeguarding, keeping themselves safe and who they can contact of they are concerned
• To focus on the responsibilities of the sports clubs or physical activity provider and promote the importance of safeguarding as a priority of all sports clubs and physical activity provider Keeping children’s safety and wellbeing needs at the forefront of everything they do.

What should providers do?

Providers of sport and physical activity should have the relevant safeguarding procedures in place and be able to answer parent’s questions regarding their child's safety even if they are not regulated, to help protect themselves and their business. They should be transparent in sharing this information to parents and make the information readily available to view.

High quality clubs and organisations will always welcome questions about their activities, the safety of their environment and the care of children and young people.

We will be delivering a variety of training sessions to providers and raising awareness workshops with parents and carers. We will also be asking schools to raise awareness with parents and carers in the form of information leaflets for parents to refer to when considering sending their child or young person to an activity. For further guidance we have produced a Provider Booklet.  

Posters

Below see below a selection of posters that you may to display in your club:-

    Swimming  

Swimming

We would like to thank Rochdale Council LADO for sharing their materials with us in support of raising safeguarding awareness to parents, children and improving practice within the sporting industry.

Safe to Play - Consultation

School Consultation

Parents and Carers Consultation

Safe to Play - Launch Event

Did you know.... recently the Home Office released the following statistics, at least 1 in 10 children experience sexual abuse before their 16th birthday, the Council of Europe's "Start to Talk" campaign highlights that 1in 5 children in Europe are victims of some form of sexual violence.  

These statistics highlight the need for all who work with children to be able to recognise potential abuse, this includes those involved in other physical activities such as dance and drama.

In partnership with the National Working Group (NWG), we are inviting you to the official launch of 'Safe to Play' which is an innovative campaign on safeguarding in sport developed by the NWG.

The event is being held on the 12th July at Aveley Football Club, Parkside, Park Lane, Aveley, Essex, RM15 4PX from 10.00 till 12.00.  This event is aimed towards volunteers and coaches within the sporting community, and our safeguarding partners who can help promote this campaign, to equip us all with the tools to identify potential victims of Child Abuse.

Why you?

Because, not only do all sports clubs have a statutory duty to ensure children are protected from harm, but your close interaction with children and young people, puts you in a pivotal position to identify the warning signs and behaviour that may indicate that a child is being abused.  In turn, reporting any information or concerns to the police will contribute to the safeguarding of children.

 Extracurricular sports activities have seen a recent boom, with many parents sending their children to sports clubs during the school holidays.  While we obviously welcome the rise in activity for children, part of this campaign will be to encourage parents to perform their due diligence before they send their children to these activities, to ensure they are legitimate clubs with the required safeguarding policies, procedures and safe recruitment processes in place.

With that in mind, we are asking sports coaches and clubs to be open about their safeguarding processes when asked by parents - it is only right that they challenge!

To book onto this event, please click here

If you have any further questions, then please email lscp@thurrock.gov.uk 

Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership Newsletters

Thurrock Local Safeguarding Childrens Partnership publish a termly newsletter sharing updates on multi-agency work, events, learning and development opportunity's, campaigns and more.

To make sure you never miss an edition and always get our newsletters, please click here to subscribe

Autumn 2022 Newsletter

LSCP Newsletter Autumn Term 2022

Spring 2023 Newsletter

LSCP Newsletter Spring Term 2023

Summer 2023 Newsletter

Operation Encompass

Operation Encompass provides a method of sharing information between the Police and local Schools.  This provides the designated "Key Adult" within the School with information where a child has been present in a household where an incident of domestic abuse has been recorded.  The information is aimed to be shared with the School prior to the commencement of the next school day so that the School can provide any appropriate support within the School environment for that pupil on that day.

Operation Encompass does not replace or supersede existing safeguarding protocols that are in place, existing safeguarding procedures and guidelines continue.  It aims to send notifications to the School from the Police when they attend any incident where a child is involved.

Operation Encompass is not about asking for the School to do any more than provide immediate support to the child whilst in attendance at School following an incident in the home.  It is designed to reinforce safeguarding and ensure children's wellbeing is of paramount importance.

By sharing information through Operation Encompass it is hoped that children of school age, who are witnessing domestic abuse, will have access to responsive emotional health and wellbeing support within School after an incident.

A pilot was started on the 2nd January 2020 and following the success of this, this is now being offered to all Thurrock Schools.  If your School is not part of this and you would like more attention, please contact the Business Team at lscp@thurrock.gov.uk

Templates and Useful Documents

Below are all the documents, that you should need to implement Operation Encompass within your School.  Can I please ask you to complete the Implementation Guide and Key Adult Information Form and return this to the LSCP Business Team, so that you can included within this.

Overview of Operation Encompass

Role of Key Adult

Information Sharing

Implementation Guide

Key Adult Information Form

Guidance and template documents

• • Template letter for parents
  • Suggested wording for safeguarding policy
  • Suggested wording for website
  • Appendix 1 - Notification from Police
  • Appendix 2 - Information Record
  • Appendix 3 - Overt Support
  • Appendix 4 - Silent Support
  • Questionnaire for Schools

 Further advice and resources

Flowchart

FAQ