NSPCC Learning has published an updated version of the factsheet on definitions and signs of child abuse. The factsheet sets out the different types of abuse and describes potential signs that a child is being abused.

Download the factsheet: Definitions and signs of child abuse

As part of our continuous improvement journey we regularly receive feedback on the safeguarding hub from a feedback survey. Recent analysis of the information demonstrates that;

• 94% of people said that they were listened to and treated with respect.
• 83% said that they had calls and emails returned promptly
• 83% agreed that the decisions made were explained to them.

When we asked what do you think we did well?

Comments included;

• Speed of access and relevant option choices to select
• Polite, helpful, advised to put a single contact in.
• Calm, helpful advice on this occasion. Referred to the Hub social worker. Clear request to submit a single contact. Follow up letter in timescale.

The Anna Freud Centre, the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) and the PSHE Association have published guidance to help school leaders and their staff support children and young people with their mental health and wellbeing. Topics covered include: the impact of coronavirus on children and young peoples’ mental health and wellbeing; how these experiences might affect pupils when they return to school; how schools can support pupils to readjust, recover and move forwards; responding to pupils’ fear, anxiety and uncertainty; and transitions.

Read the news story: Working with NAHT to provide guidance for pupil’s mental health and wellbeing

Read the guidance: Coronavirus: supporting pupils’ mental health and wellbeing (PDF)

The Children’s Commissioner for England has published a report looking at the impact of lockdown on teenagers in England, assessing the number of teenagers who were already vulnerable before the coronavirus outbreak. The report estimates that 120,000 teenagers in England, one in 25, were vulnerable before coronavirus and calls on local authorities to work with schools and police to focus resources on these teenagers at risk of becoming ‘invisible’ to services.

Read the news story: Teenagers falling through the gaps

Read the report: Teenagers falling through the gaps (PDF)

ThinkuKnow has released an education resource about online blackmail for 15-to 18-year-olds which aims to help young people: identify key characteristics of how blackmail operates online; understand the impact it can have; and know how to access help if they need it. The term ‘online blackmail’ is used to refer to the act of threatening to share information about an individual (including sexual images or videos) to the public, or their friends and family, unless a demand is met.

Access the resource: Online blackmail education resource for 15-18 year olds

The NSPCC and the British Athletes Commission (BAC) have launched a helpline to support athletes with concerns about bullying and abuse in British Gymnastics. The confidential helpline will be available 8am-10pm on weekdays and 9am-6pm on weekends on 0800 056 0566, or email our NSPCC helpline at help@nspcc.org.uk.

Read the news story: BAC and NSPCC launch helpline

The House of Commons Library has published a research briefing on The Adoption and Children (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020. The briefing describes: the content of the statutory instrument, the reaction from the sector: and the consultation on extending some its regulations.

Download the briefing: The Adoption and Children (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020

Barnardo’s has published a blog discussing how systemic racism affects young people in the UK. The blog uses statistics to show how systemic racism affects children at home, at school and in the youth justice system. Separately, an article in the Guardian and a podcast featuring teenage activist Intisar Chowdhury discuss racism in British schools. A report by the Runnymede Trust looking at racism in secondary schools in England calls for an increase in the proportion of teachers from black and minority ethnic backgrounds; an increase in the racial literacy of all teachers; and clearer anti-racism policies to embed a culture of anti-racism in schools.

Read the blog: How systemic racism affects young people in the UK

Read the news story: The shocking truth of racism in British schools

Listen to the podcast: The shocking truth of racism in British schools

Read the report: Race and racism in English secondary schools (PDF)

The Association of Child Protection Professionals (AoCPP) has released a podcast in which Dr Peter Sidebotham talks about his work on the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel and discusses their latest research on safeguarding children at risk from sudden unexpected infant death.

Listen to the podcast: The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel

See also on NSPCC Learning  > National review: sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI): CASPAR briefingNational review: sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI): CASPAR briefing

The CSCP now have online Safer Recruitment training available.  This course outlines the context for how Safer Recruitment contributes to Safeguarding.

To access this course please visit the eLearning page on the CSCP website here

The Department for Education (DfE) has announced a #backtoschoolsafely campaign to reassure parents and students that schools and colleges in England are ready for their return in September.

Read the news story: Government campaign launches to get children ‘back to school safely’

Women’s Aid has published a report on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on adult and child survivors of domestic abuse and the services supporting them. The report includes a chapter on the impact of the pandemic on child survivors of domestic abuse. Findings include: 53% of respondents who were currently experiencing domestic abuse said their children had seen more abuse; and 38% said that their abuser had shown an increase in abusive behaviour towards the children.

Read the news story: A perfect storm: the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on domestic abuse survivors and the services supporting them

Read the report: A perfect storm: the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on domestic abuse survivors and the services supporting them (PDF) ​​​​​​​

See also on NSPCC Learning  > Protecting children from domestic abuse during coronavirus

An article in Community Care discusses child sexual abuse (CSA) in Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani families in the UK, and the barriers to disclosing and reporting. The article looks at how concepts of shame and honour in South Asian communities can amplify the secrecy of intrafamilial CSA for female victims, and offers key points and advice to help practitioners including: developing an understanding of what shame and honour mean to South Asian service users; and understanding that perceptions of child sexual abuse can be different within the community.

Read the news story: Sexual abuse of South Asian children: what social workers need to know