flintshire and wrexham local safeguarding children board training ...

FLINTSHIRE AND WREXHAM
LOCAL SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN BOARD
TRAINING STRATEGY
2011-14
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Flintshire & Wrexham LSCB
Training Strategy 2011-2014
1) Introduction
The Training Sub Groups of Flintshire & Wrexham Local Safeguarding Children Boards
(LSCBs) merged in September 2010 as a precursor to the merge of both Boards in April
2011. This document sets out the principles and structures underpinning the annual
LSCB training programme.
2) Role of the training sub group
The LSCB Training Sub Group comprises managers, practitioners and training staff from
key agencies and services involved in working with children, young people and families.
It meets six times a year and is responsible for:
Identifying training need across Flintshire and Wrexham in relation to safeguarding
children
Planning, delivery and evaluation of training in response to identified need
Monitoring the quality and quantity of training delivered and ensuring that it reflects
sound collaborative practice, current policy and guidance and recent developments
in knowledge and practice methods
3) Principles of LSCB training
LSCB training in Flintshire & Wrexham strives to be:
Inclusive ie open to all regardless of race, gender, age, culture, religion, ability or
sexuality
Flexible, in that training should be available in a variety of ways to reflect the needs
of the audience
Collaborative, encouraging joint working between agencies at every stage of the
process
Child-centred, in that its prime concern should always be the safety and welfare of
children and young people
4) Audiences and levels of training
Training is organised in a modular programme, as set out in Safeguarding Children:
Working Together under the Children Act 2004 (Wales 2006):
Those in regular contact with children and families (basic awareness training)
Those who work regularly with children and families (working together)
Those with a particular responsibility for safeguarding children (working together
on complex tasks)
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In addition there is a responsibility to respond to the training needs of operational,
strategic and senior managers and LSCB members.
Flintshire & Wrexham LSCB avoids the use of numbers (level 1, 2 etc) to designate
programmes, to avoid confusion with other organisations’ structures and in particular with
Working Together in England which specifies 8 levels of training.
5) Single and multi agency training
Basic awareness training is the responsibility of the employing agency. It is provided in
this area as follows:
a) Employees of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board receive training from
Public Health Wales (primary care) and the Safeguarding Team of the BCUHB (all
other staff).
b) Welsh Ambulance Trust staff receive training from their Safeguarding Team
c) Public Health Wales staff receive training from their Safeguarding Team. This team
also provides training for Primary Care and some independent contractors. Dental
professionals receive training from an external provider which is commissioned by
Cardiff Dental Dept
d) Education staff receive training from the ESW Team Manager in their county
e) Police officers receive induction training from their organisation
f) The Learning and Development department of the Wales Probation Trust provide
some basic training for some grades of staff as part of their qualifying training but
may from time to time make use of the training on offer from the LSCB.
g) Social work staff are expected to have received basic awareness training as part of
their qualifying course, and are offered an additional induction programme in child
protection
h) Some independent organisations eg voluntary agencies, faith groups, sporting
organisations, the national body provides the appropriate level of training. Others
such as Deeside College and FLVC commission NSPCC-approved trainers to
deliver basic awareness training.
i) For smaller agencies, which will include the majority of voluntary organisations in
the locality, the LSCB offers this programme as both single and multi agency
training.
Working Together training is provided by the LSCB on a multi agency basis. It is open
to all staff, manager, volunteers and carers working with children and families.
In addition, some training at this level is provided for health and education staff on a
single agency basis.
Working Together on complex tasks training is provided on a multi agency basis as
above.
6) Identifying and prioritising training need
The LSCB Training Sub Group is responsible for identifying training need across the
constituent agencies and drawing up an appropriate training plan.
Members of the LSCB Executive Board are asked to ensure that a Training Needs
Analysis form (Appendix A) is completed for their agency and returned to the LSCB
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Training Officer on an annual basis. This will inform the annual training plan, along with
information on new developments in law, guidance and policy and findings from Serious
Case Reviews and Cases of Special Interest.
Places on individual training courses are allocated by the LSCB Training Officer in
collaboration with the trainer. Applicants are selected on the basis of training need and
with a view to promoting joint working through the attendance of a representative mix of
agencies. For this reason applications are not processed on a ‘first come first served’
basis.
7) Delivery of programmes
Basic awareness programmes are delivered by the LSCB through a variety of routes:
a) A ‘training for trainers’ programme is available to those who are suitably qualified
and experienced to deliver the programme within their own agency. The LSCB
offers training and ongoing support and monitors the quality of training delivered
b) Early years staff are supported to access the programme in two ways. In
Wrexham the training is coordinated by the Family Information Service, whilst in
Flintshire organisations receive grant money to purchase their own training inhouse.
The LSCB may be able to advise on suitable providers for this.
c) The LSCB offers a multi agency programme approximately once a month, held
alternately in each county. This is open to any agency unable to access the
programme via the options listed above.
d) A small amount of in-house training is provided for agencies who are i) unable to
access the options above and ii) have a viable group to attend the training
(minimum 16).
Working Together programmes are delivered collaboratively by a team of presenters
representing the key agencies involved in safeguarding children.
Working Together on complex tasks programmes vary from year to year. Until now
these have included the Joint Investigation and Achieving Best Evidence programmes
which equip police officers and social workers to carry out joint investigations and
interviews; in future years, however, it is likely that this training will become the
responsibility of N. Wales Police.
Both these and the training for managers and LSCB members are generally provided by
suitably qualified and experienced representatives of local agencies. Where the required
knowledge and expertise is not available within the local area, a specialist trainer may be
commissioned to provide the appropriate programme.
8) Annual training plans
A training plan and calendar are drawn up at the end of each financial year for the
following year. The plan is submitted to the LSCB Executive Board for approval and
subsequently circulated to representatives of local services and agencies, as well as
being posted on the LSCB website.
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9) Evaluation of programmes
Post-course evaluation sheets are completed by participants on all LSCB training to
ascertain an immediate response to the programme.
The initial evaluation will be followed up by an email to the participant’s line manager to
ascertain whether the training has resulted in changes to practice. These responses will
be collated together with the post-course evaluations. This second element is a pilot
scheme which will be reviewed in 2012.
Members of the LSCB Training Sub Group have a responsibility to collate formal and
informal feedback from their agency as a basis for alterations and improvements to both
individual courses and the overall training programme.
10) Quality assurance
The training sub group has drawn up standards for both single and multi agency training
which can be used to kitemark programmes delivered by the LSCB and partner agencies.
Training providers will be required to complete a proforma on an annual basis evidencing
that their programmes meet these standards. The relevant documents are attached in
Appendix B.
11) Review
This training strategy will be reviewed annually.
Jenny Gibbs
LSCB Training Officer
August 2011
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Appendix A
Agency Training Needs Analysis
Dear Colleague,
Welcome to the FWLSCB training needs analysis form which is designed to support the LSCB to
carry out its duties in respect of training, as set out in Safeguarding Children: Working Together
Under the Children Act 2004:
‘In all areas it is the responsibility of the LSCB to ensure that single agency and multi agency
training on safeguarding and promoting welfare that meets local needs is provided. Where the
LSCB is not itself organising the training, it will still wish to:
comment on the requirements and priorities; and
contribute to the evaluation of the training – in particular, on whether the training is
helping to improve safeguarding and promoting welfare in practice’.
This need analysis form has been designed in partnership with Conwy and Denbighshire LSCB
and will be used to identify single and multi-agency training taking place and to identify training
needs which the LSCB will then be able to consider in the design and development of its training
calendar. Please answer the three questions set out below, ensuring your note your agency
name etc and return to Jenny.gibbs@wrexham.gov.uk by …………….
Name of Agency
Name & Job Role of
individual completing the
form
Date completed and
returned to FWLSCB
Training Officer
1. Identify the number of your staff in each of the categories below in Flintshire &
Wrexham
Number of
staff in each
category
*Staff Category (A) *Staff Category (B) *Staff Category (C)
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2. What Single Agency training has your agency provided in Flintshire & Wrexham on either child
protection or safeguarding children & young people, and how many of your staff in each of the
categories have attended?
Training Course Title
Number of staff
*Category (A)
Number of staff
*Category (B)
Number of staff
*Category (C)
3. What are the Multi-Agency or Single Agency child protection or safeguarding children & young
people training needs from your own organisation, as identified through your own agency
performance/appraisal system?
*Category
(A)
List of Training Needs, e.g. Child
Sexual Exploitation, Basic
Awareness, FGM etc
Number of
staff
requiring
this training
Please tick if
you plan to
address this
need within your
own agency
Please tick if
you wish this
training need to
be considered
by the FWLSCB
*Category
(B)
*Category
(C)
*Categories of Staff:
These descriptions have been drafted from Safeguarding Children: Working Together Under the
Children Act 2004, Chapter 11.6
(A) Staff/volunteers in regular contact with children & young people and those who work with
adults who are parents/carers, e.g. reception staff, childminders, youth workers, swimming pool
attendants, etc., and anyone who supervises or manages staff at this level.
(B) Those who work regularly with children & young people and with adults who are carers,
including practitioners contributing to assessment of Child In Need, e.g. GP’s, teachers, probation
officers, social workers, etc., and anyone who supervises or manages staff at this level.
(C) Those with a particular responsibility for safeguarding such as designated health and
education professionals, police, social workers, and other professionals undertaking Section 47
enquiries or working with complex cases, and anyone who supervises or manages staff at this
level.
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Appendix B
Flintshire & Wrexham LSCB Training Sub Group
Standards for single and multi agency training
1. The trainer can demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge, experience and
skills to deliver training in safeguarding children.
2. The training is carried out in a supportive learning environment which explicitly
states the need for confidentiality and respect for others and which takes into
account the sensitive nature of the topic and the potential impact of the training
material on individual participants.
3. The training programme is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in
legislation, guidance, policy, research and findings from Serious Case Reviews
and inspections.
4. The training programme promotes multi-agency working and sound collaborative
relationships with other agencies involved with children and families.
5. The training is based on the fundamental principle of the Children Acts 1989 &
2004 that the child’s welfare is paramount.
6. The programme content is set at the appropriate level to the audience as laid out in
Working Together to Safeguard Children 2000 and Safeguarding Children:
Working Together under the Children Act 2004 meets the learning outcomes
below.
7. The training is evaluated at the end of each session and this feedback informs
future sessions. Ideally some form of follow-up evaluation is carried out from time
to time to ascertain the continued benefits of the programme.
8. There is a clear expectation in each agency that training in safeguarding children is
updated at least every 3 years. In some agencies and for some staff groups there
may be a requirement for more frequent refresher training.
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Child protection basic awareness – for those who come into contact with children,
young people and families as part of their work or caring or voluntary role
By the end of the programme the participant should be able to:
Discuss what is meant by child abuse and neglect
Identify indicators of abuse and neglect
Have an overview of the relevant legislation and guidance
Know what to do if there are concerns about a child
Know how to respond if a child makes a disclosure of abuse
Specific reference should be made to the increased vulnerabilities of disabled children
and the ways in which indicators of abuse and neglect in disabled children might be
identified and misconstruction avoided.
Working Together – for those who work with children, young people and families
By the end of the programme the participant should be able to:
Describe the child protection process as set out in Safeguarding Children:
Working Together under the Children Act 2004 (2006) and All Wales Child
Protection Procedures
Understand the importance of multi agency working and their own agency’s
role in the process
Understand the roles of the key agencies in the child protection process
Understand their responsibilities in relation to information sharing
Specialist programmes – for those involved in assessment and intervention with children
in need and children in need of protection
By the end of the programme the participant should have gained knowledge and skills in
undertaking complex tasks or particular areas of practice in partnership with other
agencies.
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Flintshire & Wrexham LSCB Training Sub Group
Kitemarking form for single and multi agency training programmes in
safeguarding children
Agency
Name of programme
Level of programme
Audience
Dates run
Form completed by
Job title
Date form completed
Year April 2011-March 2012
Please provide evidence in the table below as to how this programme meets the LSCB’s
agreed standards for training to safeguard children
1. The trainer can demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge, experience and skills to deliver
training.
Evidence:
2. The training is carried out in a supportive learning environment which explicitly states the need
for confidentiality and respect for others and which takes into account the sensitive nature of the
topic and the possible impact of the training material on individual participants
Evidence:
3. The training programme is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in legislation,
guidance, policy, research and findings from Serious Case Reviews and inspections
Evidence:
4. The training programme promotes multi-agency working and sound collaborative relationships
between all agencies involved with children and families
Evidence:
5. The training is explicitly based on the fundamental principle of the Children Acts 1989 & 2004
that the child’s welfare is paramount
Evidence:
6. The programme content is set at the level appropriate to the audience as set out in Working
Together to Safeguard Children 2000 and Safeguarding Children: Working Together under the
Children Act 2006 and meets the relevant learning outcomes (see below)
Evidence:
7. The training is evaluated at the end of each session and this feedback informs future sessions.
Ideally some form of follow-up evaluation is carried out from time to time to ascertain the
continued benefits of the programme
Evidence:
8. There is a clear expectation in the agency that training in safeguarding children is updated at
least every 3 years.
Evidence:
Signed:……………………………………………….
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Child protection basic awareness – for those who come into contact with children,
young people and families as part of their work or caring or voluntary role
By the end of the programme the participant should be able to:
Discuss what is meant by child abuse and neglect
Identify indicators of abuse and neglect
Have an overview of the relevant legislation and guidance
Know what to do if there are concerns about a child
Know how to respond if a child makes a disclosure of abuse
Specific reference should be made to the increased vulnerabilities of disabled children
and the ways in which indicators of abuse and neglect in disabled children might be
identified and misconstruction avoided.
Working Together – for those who work with children, young people and families
By the end of the programme the participant should be able to:
Describe the child protection process as set out in Safeguarding Children:
Working Together under the Children Act 2004 (2006) and All Wales Child
Protection Procedures
Understand the importance of multi agency working and their own agency’s
role in the process
Understand the roles of the key agencies in the child protection process
Understand their responsibilities in relation to information sharing
Specialist programmes – for those involved in assessment and intervention with children
in need and children in need of protection
By the end of the programme the participant should have gained knowledge and skills in
undertaking complex tasks or particular areas of practice in partnership with other
agencies.
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