Reducing Parental Conflict - Full set of tools and resources now available!

Conflict between parents is normal, but if exposure is frequent, intense and poorly resolved, this can have a damaging impact on children, resulting in long-term mental health issues and emotional, social and behavioural and academic problems as they grow up. Parental conflict can be reflected in a wide range of behaviours, from constructive (helpful) to destructive (harmful) behaviours. Harmful behaviours in a relationship which are frequent, intense and poorly resolved can lead to a lack of respect and a lack of resolution.

To support the work of practitioners, we have developed a range of free resources available to all those working with children, young people and their families in West Sussex. These include an animation, cards to support conversations with parents/carers, an app, a pre-recorded webinar and role play activities.

To view the range of resources in full, please click on the link below -

https://www.westsussexscp.org.uk/professionals/working-with-families/reducing-parental-conflict

Please share these resources widely across your teams and wider organisation where appropriate.

In safeguarding we often have a focus on children and young people who come from deprived backgrounds. These children are treated as vulnerable, and that their poverty level immediately increases their risk of harm from grooming and exploitation. Whilst all this is true, sometimes we might focus on lower income families. However, those on the opposite end of the wealth spectrum can also be at risk of harm. Those who are from very wealthy backgrounds, can suffer from severe parental neglect, "latch keyism" and a lack of interaction with parental figures. These are similar vulnerability triggers to those noticed in very low income families. Professor Bernard, from Goldsmiths University in London, has been conducting research into this area. A really interesting summary of her findings is available over on the university’s site, and is well worth a read. To take a look please follow the link below: 

https://www.gold.ac.uk/research/case-studies/social-work-with-affluent-families/

The Learning & Development Gateway transferred over to the Learning Pool on 13th March 2023. This is currently where all WSSCP training sits and all bookings require practitioners to have a user account. Some Learning Gateway accounts will have been transferred to the Learning Pool, whilst others have been deleted due to no live bookings. 

Unfortunately this change means that the WSSCP training calendar page can no longer take you directly to the course that enables you to book a place, without first logging on to the Learning Pool (or requesting an account if your account was deleted) and choosing your preferred date of training.

Please take a few minutes to see if your account has been transferred over to the new platform and if not, submit a request to set up a new one, so that you are able to access WSSCP training courses.

We are currently working to find a solution to this issue and apologise for any inconvenience this is causing.

If you have any difficulty booking a place on any WSSCP training session, please contact WSSCP@westsussex.gov.uk or learninganddevelopment@westsussex.gov.uk and we will support you through the new booking process. 

Last year, 91 types of toy were recalled because they were dangerous. And a report from the British Toy and Hobby Association found that, of 101 dangerous toys withdrawn from sale on online marketplaces, 65 seemingly identical toys were still on sale a year later.

Despite this, our new research reveals that 70% of parents never check to see if a product has been recalled and 93% don’t know how to check. That’s why we’ve set up a new advice hub where parents and practitioners can check if the toys and childcare products they’re buying are safe.

Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) -New Advice Hub

With mounting financial pressures, parents are increasingly searching online for better prices than in the shops. But only 13% always check out who the seller is or where they are based, increasing the risk of inadvertently buying dangerous products for their children.

The CAPT offering practical tips on how to swerve rogue online sellers, alongside advice on who to call if you’re worried that you’ve bought something dangerous and visual aids to share with families.

Access safety tips and resources

We are always working hard to ensure we provide you with learning resources in a range of formats, including podcasts, briefings, eLearning and formal training. We are always keen to hear your feedback on our resources so when you complete evaluations, please ensure you are as honest and constructive as possible, as this helps us to ensure our training and resources are effective and fit for purpose. You can also tell us about the impact any WSSCP training has had on your practice. Click on the link below to tell us about this - 

Give us your feedback and tell us the impact

We are also updating our training offer and from next month, many of our courses will be available to attend either virtually or face to face. We know that practitioners have different learning styles and value being able to choose a style of delivery that suits you is important. Visit the training calendar below to see the range of courses and methods of delivery - 

WSSCP Training Calendar  

Friends, Families and Travellers is a leading national charity that works to end racism and discrimination against Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people and to protect the right to pursue a nomadic way of life. We will shortly be offering new training, which will focus on safeguarding and provide information on what to take into account when working with Gypsy and Traveller families, whilst covering the rich histories and diverse cultures to provide context. The session will equip you with the tools needed to make your safeguarding practices more inclusive for Gypsies and Travellers.

Keep an eye on the WSSCP Training Calendar for forthcoming dates coming very soon