A boy's hand thrust forward towards the camera

April City of York Safeguarding Children Partnership Newsletter

This month we start by sharing details of Learning Masterclass sessions which are available during Safeguarding Week.

A timetable of Masterclass Sessions will be taking place during Safeguarding Week 2026. These sessions are designed to support practitioners across services in strengthening their knowledge and practice.

Each session focuses on key safeguarding themes, offering opportunities to learn, reflect, and engage with current priorities.

A brief outline of sessions are detailed below. Please click on the links for further information and to book a place. All are encouraged to book on early.

All sessions are held online via MS Teams. Please book on via MyLO using the links below.

York’s Drug and Alcohol Service: Change Grow Live – Monday 15 June, 2.00pm to 3.00pm

Overview of York’s drug and alcohol services, including our local offer and focus on hidden harm, particularly the impact on children affected by parental or family substance misuse.

Also covers local trends and a brief overview of harm reduction, with a spotlight on key substances: alcohol, cannabis, THC/spice, and ketamine.

Working with Dads – Tuesday 16 June, 11.30am to 12.30pm

Participants will be encouraged to consider how we work in partnership with dads to achieve positive outcomes for their children.

The session will share experiences of dad’s working with professionals in the safeguarding arena and help us think about positive and practical ways to better include them in all aspects of our work.

Family Group Decision Making – Tuesday 16 June, 2.30pm to 3.30pm

An overview of Family Group Decision Making and what it means for our work with children and families in York.

Domestic Abuse – Wednesday 17 June, 11.00am to midday

This session will provide an overview of domestic abuse, including the different forms it can take, and the signs professionals may notice when someone is experiencing abuse. It will also explore the experiences of people with learning disabilities, considering additional vulnerabilities and some of the barriers individuals may face when accessing domestic abuse support.

The session aims to increase awareness and understanding of how domestic abuse may impact people with learning disabilities and autism, and to support professionals to respond appropriately and confidently.

Preparation for Adulthood and Learning Disabilities – Thursday 18 June, 2pm to 3pm

This session provides an overview of York’s evolving Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) model, focusing on how we are strengthening outcomes for young people with SEND as they move towards adulthood. It will highlight our strategic direction, operational delivery, and the impact of multi-agency collaboration across education, health, and social care.

Learning from Multi-Agency Case Reviews and Audits – Thursday 18 June, 3.30pm to 4.30pm

This session will provide an overview of national updates including recent publications from the National Panel and will also cover thematic learning and practice recommendations from local case reviews in York that have been conducted when a child dies or is seriously injured and abuse or neglect are suspected.

Private Fostering – Friday 19 June, midday to 1pm

The aim of this workshop is to raise awareness of private fostering. We will achieve this by discussing the definition of private fostering, exploring differing scenarios to put the definition in practice, and feeling confident in your responsibilities when you identify a private fostering arrangement.

Jess will share her experience and expertise of Private Fostering both within the Social Care and Education settings, linking the procedures to frontline practice.

Jess will talk about some of the lessons learnt through the death of Victoria Climbié and how The subsequent Laming Report prompted a strengthening of the legal framework around private fostering.

We hope to inspire professionals to feel confident in recognising private fostering arrangements, know what to do and how to support children and young people in these arrangements.

Transitional Safeguarding – Friday 19 June, 1.30pm to 2.30pm

This session explores the principles and practice of transitional safeguarding, focusing on how services can effectively support young people as they move from adolescence into adulthood. It will highlight the unique risks faced by those approaching 18, particularly where vulnerabilities such as exploitation, mental health needs, or instability remain present beyond childhood frameworks. The session will encourage practitioners to think beyond traditional service boundaries and consider developmentally appropriate, person-centred approaches that ensure continuity of care and protection. This session is informed by the new Transitional Safeguarding Practice Guidance introduced in March this year.

Please note that the wider timetable which will include sessions being hosted by North Yorkshire and East Riding will be available from the 13th May 2026.

Top of page

The following documents have recently been approved and added to the Partnership website:

These are all joint documents with North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership.

A reminder that the following documents have also recently been updated:

Transitional Safeguarding Procedure

A reminder also that the Transitional Safeguarding Procedure was also recently updated. This practice guidance sets out the arrangements for young people aged 16 years and above, whose circumstances may mean that Safeguarding Adults procedures would apply when they are 18. This relates to young people who would meet the definition of an ‘adult at risk’ when they turn 18.

This guidance promotes robust and effective transitional arrangements, and timely referrals between Children’s and Adult Services in the City of York. It recognises that harm is likely to continue post 18, and that abusers target vulnerability

Perplexing Presentations (PP), Fabricated and Induced Illness (FII) in Children Practice Guidance

Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII), by parents or carers, is child abuse and can cause significant harm to children. FII involves a well-child being presented by a parent/carer as ill, or a disabled child being presented with more significant problems than he/she has.

This local multi agency guidance aims to support professionals from all agencies to recognise and respond to possible Perplexing Presentations/Fabricated Induced Illness to effectively safeguard and achieve better outcomes for children. It is necessarily detailed as it reflects the often highly complex nature of this form of abuse.

The aim is to assess the impact of Perplexing Presentations/Fabricated Induced Illness on the child’s physical and emotional health and development, and to consider how to best safeguard the child’s welfare. This requires a sound and clear multi-agency approach.

Early recognition and intervention are recommended to explore the possible causes of a Perplexing Presentation. There is a need to establish whether Perplexing Presentations are fully explained by a verified condition in the child, or whether there has been some element of exaggeration or fabrication of illness with consequent physical, emotional, social or educational harm to the child.

Please familiarise yourself with this new guidance and share with your teams as appropriate or why not book onto the Learning Masterclass session (details further in the newsletter)

Please make sure yourself familiar with these updated documents and share with your colleagues, discuss in your team meetings and supervisions.

Top of page

An Introduction to Fabricated Induced Illness and Perplexing Presentations

Course outline

City of York Safeguarding Children Partnership and North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership are delivering a joint session on Fabricated Induced Illness and Perplexing Presentations.

Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII), by parents or carers, is child abuse and can cause significant harm to children. Fabricated Induced Illness involves a well-child being presented by a parent/carer as ill, or a disabled child being presented with more significant problems than he or she has.

The updated City of York and North Yorkshire Perplexing Presentations/Fabricated Induced Illness multi agency guidance aims to support professionals from all agencies to recognise and respond to possible Perplexing Presentations/Fabricated Induced Illness to effectively safeguard and achieve better outcomes for children. It is necessarily detailed as it reflects the often highly complex nature of this form of abuse.

This masterclass will explore learning from local safeguarding reviews and cases with reference to the application of the newly updated guidance.

Details

Tuesday 5 May (2.00pm to 3.00pm) via MS Teams

How do I book on?

Go to the course page on MyLO and click ‘access this course’ at the top of the page and then ‘sign up’ next to the date.

Managers can book places for members of their team using the ‘allocate place for team’ option

An Introduction to Barriers to Education and Attendance

An introduction to the concept of Barriers to Education and how the barriers that children and young people experience can have an impact on participation in education and attendance at school.

Course outline:

The aims of the course are to:-

  • Introduce the concept of Barriers to Education and develop understanding of how the barriers that children and young people experience can have an impact on participation in education and attendance at school
  • Explore psychological theory influencing our understanding of Barriers to Education, including the WARMTH framework
  • Explore early identification, targeted action planning, information gathering, interventions and strategies
  • Have an opportunity to reflect on and share experiences and practice

Target audience:

Staff in York educational settings (including early years and further education)

City of York Council and partner agency staff who support the education, engagement and attendance of children and young people in York.

Date and Time: Friday 3 July, 1.00pm to 4.30pm

Venue: Hudson Room, West Offices

Book via MyLO using this link:

Families First Update and focus on quality

Families First has an ambition to have a shared practice framework across agencies in line with the National Framework outcomes and the requirements of Working Together.

Working Together 2026 has recently been updated which further endorses “Having an evidence-based framework, which is shared across the partnership and involves regular review to ensure that real progress is being made”.

City of York Safeguarding Children Partnership have agreed to use the Building Brighter Futures Practice Framework in York which is outlined in the newsletter. The practice framework is also aligned to our training offer based on the workforce survey. Partners can access training and development through MyLO.

The First course is Families First: Social GGRRAAACCEEESSS (Gender, Geography, Race, Religion, Age, Ability, Appearance, Class, Culture, Education, Employment, Ethnicity, Sexuality, Sexual Orientation, and Spirituality) Train the Trainer Session:

Target audience

Open to all multi-agency partners including Children’s Social Care and Adult Social Care, Police, Health, Local Authority, Education, Voluntary Sector etc.

Course outline

This Train the Trainer course is designed to equip experienced practitioners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to deliver the Social Ggrraaacceeesss and Intersectionality training effectively within their teams. The session focuses on building facilitation skills, understanding core content, and ensuring consistency and fidelity in the delivery of the content.

Participants will explore Social Ggrraaacceeesss and Intersectionality, including key concepts, relevance to practice, and interactive activities. The course also provides practical guidance on adapting materials to different audiences while maintaining the content’s integrity, managing group dynamics, and handling challenging discussions.

By the end of the session, attendees will be prepared to deliver the Social Ggrraaacceeesss and Intersectionality training in a professional and engaging way, supporting colleagues to embed its principles in their practice and enhance outcomes for children, young people, and families.

Details

Please note: You only need to attend one session. All are taking place in the Snow Room, West Offices.

  • Thursday 7 May, 9.30am to 12.00pm
  • Thursday 7 May, 1.00pm to 3.30pm

Book to attend “Families First: Social GGRRAAACCEEESSS Train the Trainer Session” via MyLO

If you have any queries or would like to provide feedback, please email: [email protected].

Top of page

A recent multi-agency audit has highlighted that partners are not aware of the Safeguarding Children Partnership Language Pledge.

All partner organisations within the City of York Safeguarding Children Partnership made a commitment to sign up to the ‘language pledge’.

This commitment was made in 2024 by senior leaders from partner agencies following a powerful presentation delivered by children and young people on the impact of language when working with children and young people.

The language pledge is on the partnership website and we would encourage everyone to review and discuss in your team meetings and with your colleagues.

Remember it is important to not only make these commitments when speaking with children and young people but in our day to day practice with other professionals.

It is important to raise awareness of the language pledge to fully embed this across the Partnership.

We need your help to do this and we appreciate your support to do this for our children and young people.

Top of page

Partnership E-Learning Training

A reminder that a new Safeguarding Children Partnership Awareness E-Learning package has been produced which is more in depth and up to date.

If you are working with children and young people in the City of York we would encourage you to access this e-learning training.

‘Developing an Understanding of Harmful Sexual Behaviour’ Training

The Partnership are pleased to announce that new dates have been arranged for the Harmful Sexual Behaviour training. This training is available to all our multi-agency partners.

Course aims

  • develop an understanding of Harmful Sexual Behaviour (HSB)
  • consider the risks and needs of children who present HSB
  • share concerns about the possible impact of working with children who have presented HSB
  • discuss what sexual behaviours are considered OK/not OK
  • discuss why children engage in these behaviours
  • learn about the York Youth Justice Service Harmful Sexual Behaviour programme and pathways for support

Dates available:

  • Thursday 25 June, 10.00am to 2.00pm (Auden Room, West Offices)
  • Thursday 29 October, 10.00am to 2.00pm (Auden Room, West Offices)

How do I book on?

Go to the course page on MyLO and click ‘access this course’ at the top of the page and then ‘sign up’ next to the date that you want.

Child Sexual Abuse Training

The Partnership are pleased to annonce they will also shortly be delivering training in relation to Child Sexual Abuse. Sessions are currently being planned and further information will shortly be shared to enable you to book onto!

Top of page

Families First is a national ambitious reform programme developing Family Help, a Multi-Agency Child Protection Team and Family Group Decision Making.

This edition is focused on the updated Working Together to Safeguarding Children and Families First Programme Guidance updates.

Working Together is our statutory guidance and reinforces a shift towards early intervention, family help and stronger emphasis on multi-agency working.

These updates are designed to ensure faster, more effective support, ensuring that families receive the right help at the right time. Working Together now aligns to Families First and Children’s Social Care: National Framework.

The Families First Programme guidance goes into detail around timeline expectations and the newsletter outlines progress with York’s implementation.

A reminder is please lookout on training and workforce development opportunities on MyLo and search ‘Families First’.

You can access the newsletter here:

If you have any queries or would like to provide feedback, please email [email protected].

Useful links:

Families First Programme

Children’s Social Care National Framework

Top of page

Local councils and health services in York and North Yorkshire have launched a new campaign called Ready for Parenthood.

The campaign helps women and families feel supported from planning a baby through pregnancy and life with a newborn.

It focuses on three simple things:

  • What we eat and drink
  • How we move
  • How we feel

Short videos share friendly, non judgemental advice from local midwives and health professionals. The first videos feature midwives Lynda, Claire and Hayley from York and Scarborough hospitals, with more to follow soon.

The message is simple: no one has to be perfect, and it’s okay to ask for help.

Free support is available locally

In York: York Health Trainers or contact via telephone: 01904 553377

In North Yorkshire: Healthy You

By working together, local services aim to give every family – and every child – the best start in life.

Top of page

York SENDIASS provides confidential and impartial information, advice and support about matters relating to children and young people (0-16 yrs) with special educational needs and/ or disabilities, including health and social care if this impacts on their education or training.

York SENDIASS welcomes young people from 16 to 25 years old, who can contact them directly and have a confidential conversation or message. If a young person is unable to contact them, they can give permission for someone that they know to contact SENDIASS on their behalf.

This Service is available free to access in several different ways.

Young people and parents/carers can use the website referral form. Or email their helpline or a message can be left on their answering machine (email: [email protected] or telephone 01904 554312).

York SENDIASS may take 5 working days to respond during busy times of the year but often respond more quickly.

There is also a drop-in clinic for new referrals or for parents, carers and young people who are unable to access technology and do not have support. These 20-minute sessions are available by contacting SEND central.

Professionals can also refer through the website referral form or via the helpline to request relevant information and advice. This can only be with a young person’s consent if they are oder than 16 or consent from a parent, carer if younger. Professionals can contact York SENDIASS about general enquiries too.

They also provide information, advice and support using relevant laws and processes relating to SEND as our aim is to empower everyone to make informed decisions, consider options and help plan.

The only time the service cannot remain a confidential service is if there are concerns about a child or adults wellbeing, and they will always try to talk to families first about who may need to know about any safeguarding concerns before they refer to another service.

There is also a Facebook page that promotes any events including their free training sessions.

Top of page

There are lots of things happening at SEND CENTRAL that you can go along to this month. In addition, there is a navigator at SEND CENTRAL Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm for signposting around anything SEND related you can visit, call or email no need to book.

Here are a few different sessions happening in May:

  • Wednesday 6 May, 10.30am to midday – Parent Carer Session on what a good Education, Health and Care Plan looks like
  • Friday 8 May, 1pm to 2pm – An Information Session about Elective Home Education with the Local Authority Attendance Lead.
  • Friday 22 May 11am- 12pm  – An Information Session about Post-16 Education and Employment Pathways for young people with additional needs.
  • Wednesday 27 May – Think Together are offering a Half Term Activity day.

To find out more and see what’s happening have a look at their website:

Or make contact with SEND CENTRAL:

  • Clifton Children’s Centre on the site of Clifton Green Primary School, York YO30 6JA
  • Telephone: 01904 555076
  • Email: [email protected]

Top of page

If you didn’t catch us on TV recently, here’s a little more about our amazing team at YILTS – York Independent Living and Travel Skills.

They give confidence to young people helping them to be more independent and encouraging them to cycle, walk and catch the bus around town. A huge thank you to Alfie and his friends for telling us about it.

Top of page

Last month City of York Council joined organisations across the city to celebrate the positive contributions Supported Interns make in York.

Supported Internships are an opportunity for young people aged 16 to 24 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), to develop skills, build confidence, and prepare for the future.

Further information is available on the York SEND Local Offer website:

Top of page

The Department for Education (DfE) has published new guidance looking at how social workers and other practitioners can help improve the school attendance of children with a social worker in England.

The guidance looks at some causes and effects of school absence and how social workers are well placed to identify concerns early and collaborate with schools and local authority teams.

The guidance also sets out how practice supervisors and senior leaders can work with schools to promote attendance and with virtual school heads to tackle barriers.

Read the guidance:

Top of page

Domestic abuse can impact children directly and indirectly. When domestic abuse occurs in pregnancy, it has a direct impact on the expectant parent. For the unborn child, it can affect their development in the womb, lead to complications at birth and impact their bond with parents or carers.

NSPCC have produced a series of expert insight films to help those working or volunteering with families and expectant parents to understand why the risk of domestic abuse can increase during pregnancy, how to spot the signs and respond effectively.

Further information and resources is available on the NSPCC website:

Top of page

SWGfL has launched a new survey to capture the views of professionals working directly with children and young people across the UK on their views surrounding young people’s use of social media.

The survey aims to provide an evidence-informed perspective on the UK Government’s current discussion around whether children under 16 should be banned from holding social media accounts.

The findings from this survey will help build a clearer picture of how professionals view the current landscape and what they believe will best support children and young people going forwards.

The survey will be used to inform the upcoming social media consultation from the UK Government due to close in May. We would appreciate any support in sharing the survey with any contacts you may have who are professionals from across education, safeguarding, health, youth work, or law enforcement.

To access the survey:

Top of page

Papyrus has changed its branding and website. For almost 30 years, this charity has existed for one reason: to prevent young suicide. That hasn’t changed. It will never change. But the world around us has, and they needed to make sure that when a young person is looking for help – when they’re frightened, overwhelmed, or thinking about ending their life – they can find Papyrus. Quickly. Clearly. Without having to work for it.

That’s what the rebrand is about. A new brand identity. A completely redesigned website. And a renewed commitment to reaching the young people who need them most.

Papyrus run HopeLine 24/7, their free and confidential helpline offering practical, compassionate support around the clock. They share with people how to spot the signs and start conversations about suicide. They work with communities, schools and workplaces to make them suicide-safer places. They campaign, they educate, and they advocate for change.

Contact us:

Top of page

If you or someone you work with own their home or rent privately in certain parts of Acomb, Clifton, New Earswick, Hull Road and Westfield, you could qualify too. The grants aim to make colder homes more comfortable and affordable to run.

Top of page

York parents and carers with children starting school this September are being offered extra help to get their child school ready.

Families will receive easy to read booklets and local support with tips on toilet training and starting reception so children feel happy, confident and ready to learn.

Top of page

Monday 11 to Sunday 17 May – Mental Health Awareness Week

The Mental Health Foundation leads this campaign to challenge stigma and promote wellbeing. The 2026 Theme is “Action: taking action to support good mental health”.

Further details and resources are available on the Mental Health Awareness website:

A reminder that local resources in relation to mental health and wellbeing are available on the RAISE York website:

Sunday 10 May 2026 – National Children’s Day

National Children’s Day UK (NCDUK2026) returns on Sunday 10 May, 2026 invitng families, schools, charities, professionals, communities and policymakers across the UK to come together to celebrate childhood – and to confront, collectively and constructively, the growing challenges facing children and young people today.

National Children’s Day UK (NCDUK) is all about the importance of a healthy childhood, and how we need to protect the rights, freedoms and wellbeing of children, so that they can become happy, healthy adults. It’s a day of celebration, but it’s also a great opportunity for anyone involved with children and young people to raise awareness about the projects they have been running and the things they are concerned about.

Children make up one fifth of the UK population – and 100% of our future. Yet the evidence is increasingly clear: too many children are growing up under pressure, with long-term consequences for society as a whole.

Further information and media resources are available on the National Children’s Day UK website:

Further information locally in relation to children’s rights is available on the Partnership website:

Monday 11 May to Sunday 24 May – Foster Care Fortnight

Foster Care Fortnight is the UK’s biggest awareness raising campaign for fostering. #FCF26 will run from Monday 11 May to Sunday 24 May and the theme this year is ‘This is Fostering’, celebrating and raising awareness of the different stories across the fostering community.

The theme this year brings together three key threads:

  • It shines a light on the everyday experiences of fostering, raising awareness of the positive impact foster carers have.
  • It acknowledges the pressures foster carers are facing in today’s climate – from low allowances and fees and inconsistent support, to feeling excluded from decision making about the children in their care.
  • It is a call to action. It gives us a collective platform to stand together as foster carers, kinship carers and the wider fostering community to call on the government for meaningful change.

See further information on the Fostering Network website:

Could you foster?

Fostering provides a safe home and more stable family life for our children and young people, when they need it the most.

There are many different types of fostering depending on the needs of the child or young person.

Anyone over the age of 21 years can be a foster carer.

Find our more:

Monday, 19 May to Friday 23 May – Walk to School Week

Walk to School Week is a five-day challenge designed to inspire primary school pupils to incorporate more physical activity into their daily routines.

Each year, the event adopts a unique theme to make the experience engaging and educational. In 2026, the theme is “The Great Space Walk”, where pupils embark on an intergalactic adventure, meeting colourful space characters and learning about the benefits of active travel for themselves, their communities, and the planet.

Monday 25 May – International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children

International Missing Children’s Day, is a significant observance that reminds us of the critical mission to locate and reunite missing children worldwide.

A reminder there is also information in relation to Children missing from Home, Care or Education on the Partnership website:

Monday 1 June to Sunday 7 June – Child Safety Week

Child Safety Week is the Child Accident Prevention Trust’s annual community education campaign, acting as a catalyst for thousands of safety conversations and activities UK-wide.

They help families build confidence and skills in managing the real risks to children’s safety.

They want all children to have the freedom to grow and learn, safe from serious harm.

Monday 15 June to Friday 19 June – Safeguarding Week

Watch this space for a number of Learning Masterclass sessions which will be held during Safeguarding Week. Try to keep your diary clear so you can attend as many of these virtual masterclass sessions as you want to!

Top of page

Newsletter sign-up

Please let your colleagues know they will now need to sign up now to receive our newsletter.

If anyone has any items for newsletters going forward, which will now be distributed more frequently, please let us know via email [email protected].