Learning From Reviews
In accordance with Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018), Local Authorities are required to notify the National Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel within five working days of an incident where they know or suspect that a child has been abused or neglected and the child has died or been seriously harmed.
When the serious incident becomes known to the Safeguarding Partners, they must consider whether the case meets the criteria for a local review. Meeting the criteria does not mean that safeguarding partners must automatically carry out a Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review. It is for them to determine whether a review is appropriate, taking into account that the overall purpose of a review is to identify improvements to practice. The safeguarding partners therefore should promptly undertake a Rapid Review of the case.
A Rapid Review must be carried out by the Partnership within 15 working days of the serious incident notification being made to the National Panel. During the Rapid Review process, partner agencies are asked to provide information on their involvement with the child and their family. The purpose of the Rapid Review is to identify potential learning and establish whether a more comprehensive Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review is required.
The purpose of a Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review (LCSPR), formerly known as a Serious Case Review, is to identify improvements to be made to safeguard and promote the welfare of children at both a local and national level. LCSPRs should seek to prevent or reduce the risk of recurrence of similar incidents, by outlining how learning should be implemented.
The BSCP, in partnership with 13 other Local Authorities across the wider West Midlands, has developed a Regional Framework and Practice Guidance aimed at those professionals specifically involved in commissioning, managing and contributing to Rapid Reviews and Local Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews.
LCSPRs published over the last three years are available to read and download below. Each Review is accompanied by a one-page briefing note and PowerPoint presentation for use in team meetings and supervision. A historical archive of all published SCRs/LCSPRs can be found in the National Case Review repository.
Learning Lessons Briefing Notes are available to download and circulate on this page. The short summary provides background of the case, identifies key learning and highlights areas for practice improvement. To support Team Meeting discussions a PowerPoint presentation for each case has also been developed – these are available below.
Are you sure you know who visits or lives in my house?
Are you listening to me?