Learning together to safeguard children: developing a multi-agency systems approach for case reviews
What’s new
The Munro review has described SCIE Learning Together as providing the sector with a workable model for SCRs (serious case reviews) and other case reviews of multi-agency safeguarding and child protection work. She has highlighted how this systems methodology works also accomplishes multi-agency training and learning outcomes. The SCIE Learning Together model has been in development since 2004, when SCIE first began exploring how the child welfare sector could benefit from developments in safety management in other fields.
Current work
We are now in Phase 4 of the SCIE Learning Together programme which is focusing on creating a pool of trained reviewers. There are several strands to this work with different funding sources. Most recently we have won an award from the DfE's Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS)Grant.
In response to high demand, SCIE has developed a training programme for reviewers that allows us to support more LSCBs keen to tryout the model at the same time. The following cohorts are in progress and planned:
- London, seven case reviews (due to complete July 2011)
- South West, six case reviews (due to complete December 2011)
- VCS Grant Cohort 1, five case reviews (due to complete November 2011)
- VCS Grant Cohort 2, five case reviews (due to complete February 2012)
- VCS Grant Cohort 2, five case reviews (due to complete October 2012)
The programme consists of a supervised case review process using the SCIE Learning Together model, allowing trainees to learn 'on the job'.
The option of applying for accredited status at the completion of this course will be available shortly.
London Boards Interim Report
The cohort of trainee case reviewers are part-way through their reviews. The interim report has been published. It shows headline findings, key strengths of the Learning Together model and outstanding implementation issues. A full report will be published in 2012.
SCIE Report 49: Reflections from the SCIE Learning Together London pilots – an interim report (PDF)
Information for trainee reviewers
Information for Trainee Reviewers (PDF)
If you are interested in commissioning a case review using SCIE Learning Together or in being trained as a lead reviewer and accredited to use the model, please get in touch, contact: sheila.fish@scie.org.uk.
Previous development work
Phase 1. Preliminary explorations
- Tentative first steps; focused on 'near misses':
- What kinds of near misses currently occur?
- Mechanisms & obstacles to learning from them?
Publication: SCIE Report 6: Managing risks and minimising mistakes in services to children and families.
Phase 2. Developing the adapted model
- In conjunction with Prof. Munro, focused on methods for analysis in case reviews and how the systems model needed to be adapted for reviewing multi-agency safeguarding practice.
Publication: SCIE Guide 24: Learning together to safeguard children: developing a multi-agency systems approach for case reviews.
Phase 3 Developing the evidence base
- High levels of interest from the sector following publications & presentations led to SCIE offer regional 'pilots' - collaborative, developmental pieces of work
- 1st pilots: North West, three case reviews (completed November 2010)
- 2nd pilots: West Midlands, three case reviews (completion May 2011)
Publication: At a glance 34: Piloting the SCIE 'systems' model for case reviews: Learning from the North West of England.
