A boy's hand thrust forward towards the camera

January City of York Safeguarding Children Partnership Newsletter

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The Partnership regularly review and update all our documentation.

These documents are approved by our multi-agency partners who are part of our Safeguarding and Professional Practice Sub-Group.

The following documents have recently been approved and updated and are now available on the Partnership website:

Joint Multi-agency Practice Guidance: Concealed, Denied or Late Presentation of Pregnancy Guidance

This Practice Guidance is joint with North Yorkshire and sets out the process for concealment, denied or late presentation of pregnancy.  

Jacob learning on a page

The Case Review Sub-Group recently carried out a case review in relation to Jacob. A 7 point briefing has now been produced to disseminate and share learning from this case as well as highlight any good practice.

Themes from this case include:

  • Unborn Baby
  • Substance Misuse
  • Domestic Abuse
  • Non-accidental injury
  • Mental Health

Child Exploitation Screening Tool

The Partnership Child Exploitation Screening Tool is designed to support practitioners in assessing the potential level of risk to a child or young person, by considering their individual needs in relation to observed behaviours and known information.

This tool has now been updated so please could you and your colleagues ensure you are using the latest version:

National Referral Mechanism

The National Referral Mechanism is a framework for identifying and referring potential victims of modern slavery and ensuring that they receive appropriate support.

The duty to refer children into the National Referral Mechanism is made by ‘first responders’ who include organisations such as Local Authority, Police and NSPCC where they suspect a child may have been subject to Modern Slavery or Human Trafficking.

Modern Slavery is a complex crime and can involve multiple forms of exploitation.

The Partnership have reviewed and updated their One Minute Guide to support professionals in understanding the National Referral Mechanism and its processes.

Further guidance in relation to how you can report cases of modern slavery in the UK if you’re a first responder is available on the government website.

The Partnership would like to encourage you to discuss and share these documentations with your colleagues and in your team meetings and supervisions.

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In partnership we continue to progress our Families First reform journey across York to deliver Family Help, a Multi-Agency Child Protection Team and strengthen Family Group Decision Making.

Thank you to everyone that completed the Families First workforce survey, we had over 125 responses across the partnership.

Our Workforce and Families First Subgroups have reviewed the results and have developed an action plan.

Please see the overview in the January Families First Newsletter.

Key findings identified we need some myth busting around the case holder (lead practitioner) for Section 17 (children in need).

Working Together to Safeguard Children does state a range of practitioners can hold Section 17, however York have taken the decision that partner agencies will not act as the lead practitioner under Section 17.

As a partnership our priority is to continue to strengthen Early Help ensuring families receive the right help at the earliest opportunity.

The feedback will shape induction materials and Workforce Development Plan, the purpose of the Multi-Agency Child Protection Team and how we develop the Family Help Teams.

If you would like to provide further feedback, please email: [email protected]

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The Partnership offer various safeguarding training opportunities which are detailed on the Partnership website.

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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:

  • Friday 27th March, 10.00am to 2.00pm (Snow Room, West Offices)
  • Thursday 25th June, 10.00am to 2.00pm (Auden Room, West Offices)
  • Thursday 29th 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.

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This training will assist you to be able to define Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) and the potential impact of it on people.

As well as understand the potential impact of trauma and ACEs, and what this might look like.

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The Recovery College Online is part of Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust.

It provides hundreds of free online educational courses and useful resources through its website and e-learning platform.

They are aimed at people who need support with their mental health, their families and friends, mental health professionals or anyone interested in learning more about mental health and wellbeing.

Recovery College Online is available worldwide and you don’t have to live in the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust area to access its resources.

Resources and useful information

  • Resources and information for young people about exam stress, feelings, bullying, and wellbeing and self-care.
  • Resources and information for parents and carers about how to support your child.
  • Online courses for children (under 12 years old) including resilience and being healthy.
  • Online courses for young people (13 to 18 years old) including mental health and wellbeing, and psychological resilience.
  • Online educational courses for parents and carers including autism parent support training, parenting and attachment, and understanding mental health.
  • Online educational courses for teachers including supporting children and young people’s wellbeing.
  • Online educational courses for professionals including supporting the mental health of children and young people.

These resources are available to all our partners and may be useful if you are working with a family or to signpost families to.

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The Centre of expertise on Child Sexual Abuse latest opportunities; including their free introductory webinars, exclusive training events and research workshops and discussions are available on the Child Sexual Abuse Centre website.

The Child Sexual Abuse Centre regularly host free webinars and keep their website up to date so why not bookmark their page so you have future training opportunities to hand!

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The Talk Relationships service run by The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children is holding a free webinar on involving young people in the delivery of sex and relationships education.

The webinar will cover the importance of youth voice as part of a whole-school approach and practical information on implementing youth voice in secondary education settings.

The webinar will take place online on 12 February 2026 at 4pm.

Please register to attend.

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The Words Matter Charity has launched a first free online course, for parents and carers, teachers, and any adults around children, designed to help build children up, not knock them down.

Words shape children’s lives more than we realise.

2 in 5 children experience verbal abuse by adults in their lives, affecting their confidence, self-esteem, mental health, and development.

Across three weeks, you’ll find out the science of child development and language, recognise verbal abuse in daily life, and gain practical techniques for home, school, and in a variety of interactions with children.

You’ll gain insights into the latest research and simple neuroscience with leading experts to understand why the way we communicate with and around children - and the words we use - matter.

Through guided activities, you’ll practise responding constructively in challenging moments and explore approaches that protect children’s mental health and wellbeing while supporting positive relationships.

With this foundation, you’ll recognise how everyday comments can either support or undermine a child’s confidence and wellbeing.

Find out more here on the Words Matter website.

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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.

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Do you know what Private Fostering is? Would you know if a child you are working with is being Privately Fostered? Would you know what to do?

Private fostering is a private arrangement made by a child’s parent, or someone with parental responsibility, for the child to live with someone who is not a close relative.

If a child or young person is staying with someone who isn’t a close relative for more than 28 days in total then it could be a private fostering arrangement.

Further details about this is available on the Partnership website.

Do I need to tell anyone if I suspect a child is being privately fostered?

Yes. City of York Council Children’s Social Care must be notified of any private fostering arrangements.

This is to ensure that children in private fostering arrangements are seen and spoken to and their welfare is checked to make sure that children do not suffer abuse or neglect.

They will also ensure that the person or people caring for the child and the child’s parents get the help and support that they need.

Information and resources are available in relation to Private Fostering and these are available on the Partnership website

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A new guide to services for Armed Forces personnel in York and North Yorkshire has been published.

The Armed Forces Covenant Guide has been developed by North Yorkshire and City of York Councils for all veterans, serving members and reservists across our region.

A central part of the Armed Forces Covenant agreement is to work together across both council areas to ensure the Armed Forces community can access the same level of service as those outside the Armed Forces.

The guide gives essential information on services such as:

  • health – including mental health
  • education
  • employment
  • housing
  • benefits

It also gives contact details for a number of charities which support past and present serving personnel.

This guide may be useful if you are working with any families within the Armed Forces. Here is the link to the brochure with this information.

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When we talk about perinatal mental health, the focus often falls on mothers, but fathers can face significant challenges too.

Research shows that at least 1 in 10 men experience mental health problems around the time of birth, and suicide remains the leading cause of death in men under 50.

Despite this, many new dads feel overlooked by services, which can make it harder for them to seek help when they’re struggling.

Healthcare professionals – midwives, health visitors, and others – have unique opportunities to identify concerns early and offer timely support.

Asking fathers how they are, addressing intrusive thoughts, and considering cultural and social support networks can make a real difference.

About the Film: “Invisible”

Invisible is a short film that follows Luke’s journey as he becomes a dad to baby Josh.

This is a dramatised version of events, developed from extensive interviews with a diverse range of fathers and based on research findings.

The film aims to highlight factors that may impact new dads’ mental health and spark discussion around parenting roles, inclusion of fathers, and the importance of support.

Important Disclaimer

The film covers sensitive topics, including mental health and addiction.

You may find some scenes upsetting, particularly if you have been affected by any of the issues raised.

Please know that you are free to stop watching at any time.

If you need support:

  • Talk to your Health Visitor or GP
  • MIND: Call 0300 123 3393 or visit www.mind.org.uk
  • Resources and support can also be found at the bottom of this page

You can watch the full film here.

Sharing this film can help raise awareness among professionals and families, encouraging conversations about fathers’ mental health and the vital role dads play in their child’s life.

If you are sharing this film, it’s important to include the disclaimer above so viewers are aware of the sensitive content.

Please contact [email protected] if you would like further information or have any questions.

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The UK government has published its strategy addressing violence against women and girls. The strategy outlines the work the government is committed to undertaking based on three areas: prevention and early intervention which will involve supporting schools to challenge misogyny while equipping parents and teachers to intervene early and guide young people; working to improve justice outcomes; and support for those affected by violence and abuse. 

The strategy includes a section on child sexual abuse covering the government’s response to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA); reforms introduced by the Online Safety Act and Crime and Policing Bill; and group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse. The strategy is UK-wide but specific commitments on crime, policing, and justice apply to England and Wales, while those on health, social care, housing, transport, and education apply to England only. An action plan and an evidence summary on effective approaches to reducing violence against women and girls have also been published.

Read the news story on the government website. 

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The Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) has published the second report in its series on young people’s experiences of violence in England and Wales. The report uses data from a survey of nearly 11,000 13-to-17-year-olds to explore violence in teenagers’ relationships. Findings include: of the teenagers who reported being in a relationship in the past 12 months, nearly two in five had experienced some form of relationship abuse; emotional abuse, including a partner monitoring their location or checking their phone or social media, was the most commonly reported abuse; girls were slightly more likely than boys to experience relationship abuse; and over one in five had avoided school or college because of something that had happened with a partner. 

The report highlights evidence of the success of specialist education in helping teenagers build healthy relationships.

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Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) have published a report on children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) who are not in school. This report highlights the barriers that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) face to remaining in school, the quality of oversight they receive when they are not in school full time, and how well local area partnerships help children reintegrate into school after they have left.

The report includes recommendations for national government and the sector to strengthen support for children with SEND who are not in school or at risk of leaving school.

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Dates for your diaries (February 2026)

Sunday 1 February - LGBT+ History Month

LGBT+ History Month is an annual celebration of the lives of LGBT+ people of the past. It is celebrated every February in the UK, with each year’s celebration having its own unique theme. Discover how and why you can mark this month yourself, with key facts, quick tips and free resources to download.

Monday 2 February to Sunday 8 February - Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Week

Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week is an annual event that aims to raise awareness about the issues of sexual abuse and sexual violence, provide support to survivors, and encourage a broader dialogue on preventing these forms of harm. In this article, we’ll delve into the event’s purpose, dates, ways to get involved, its history, and the associated hashtags.

What is Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week?

Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week is a dedicated week-long campaign that focuses on addressing sexual abuse and sexual violence. It aims to challenge societal norms, stereotypes, and misconceptions surrounding these issues while providing a platform for survivors to share their stories and find support.

Thursday 5 February - Time to Talk Day

What is Time to Talk Day?

Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. It’s a day for all of us to come together to talk, listen and change lives.

Why is talking important?

Talking openly and honestly can be the first step towards better mental health for everyone. It can reduce stigma and help people feel comfortable enough to seek help when they need it.

Friday 6 February - International Day of Zero Tolerance of female genital mutilation

Female genital mutilation comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights, the health and the integrity of girls and women. Find out more on the United Nations website.

Monday 9 February to 15 February - Children’s Mental Health Week

Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health Week 2026 will take place from 9-15 February 2026!

The official Children’s Mental Health Week 2026 resources are available for you to download! Whether you’re a primary school, secondary school, family, community group or workplace, we’ve got activities and resources for you.

The theme for Children’s Mental Health Week 2026 is ‘This is My Place’, and our aim is to support the systems around children and young people to help them feel they belong.

Tuesday 10 February 2026 - Safer Internet Day

This year’s official theme: Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Whether you are a school, nursery, youth group, library, police service, or wider, UK Safer Internet Centre have created educational resources to support educators in delivering messages about Artificial Intelligence that are suitable for all ages.

Find more info on the Safer Internet Day website.

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

If anyone has any items for newsletters going forward, please let us know on email: [email protected].