The 7 Minute Briefings are developed using information from Rapid Reviews, Local and National Learning Reviews and Local Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews (LCSPR). Research suggests 7 minutes is the ideal time span to concentrate, and learning is more memorable.
Research suggests 7 minutes is the ideal time span to concentrate, and learning is more memorable. The increasing pressure on services and organisations can make it challenging to release staff to attend formal training events. However, the need to keep learning and developing in order to maintain a skilled workforce means that these short, safeguarding snapshots can be a helpful way to support team learning.
7 minute briefings should be delivered face-to-face to promote discussion and not be included with other day-to-day issues to ensure impact. The briefings do not have all the answers, they are a tool to enable teams to reflect on their practice and systems.
Please consider these three questions alongside the briefings:
Briefings cover a period in time to support learning; however, it must be noted that continual improvement means practice will change over time.
The following 7 minute briefings are available for use in your teams:
In June 2021 Alsami, a 14 year old Wandsworth boy, died by taking his own life.
In August 2020, three month old baby Alvah was brought to hospital with signs of non-accidental injury.
Arthur and Star both aged 16 months were tragically murdered by their caregivers in 2020. Both children had suffered significant neglect and abuse. Both children were surrounded by professionals and concerned family members, however the safeguarding system had been unable to keep them safe.
Child Q is a Black Caribbean school girl who was strip searched in her school by a female police officer, her parents were not informed prior to the search being carried out. The local authority where Child Q resides commissioned a CSPR due to the traumatic impact on Child Q and the suggestion of racist motivations.
Ms G gave birth to twins following a concealed pregnancy and visiting different hospital. Older siblings had been removed, however this information and other family history was not known until the Health Visitor completing the new birth visit recognised mum from previous work with the family.
In February 2023 Harry was intubated and ventilated in hospital after an extended period of being dysregulated and aggressive. Harry has a diagnosis of ADHD and traits of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Harry had not been in school for the three months prior to this incident.
Brothers Mark and Lloyd were subject to abuse and serious harm. Tragically, Lloyd died from a significant non-accidental injury, his brother Mark, aged four, also experienced significant harm over time and has since been removed and placed in foster care.
In April 2020 siblings Rachel, Andy and Dean were taken into police protection surrounding concerns they were at risk of sexual abuse. It was found the children had suffered significant neglect and living in poor conditions.
Research studies, Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews, and file audits have repeatedly shown that family historical information is not given the attention that it should be given in assessing the needs of children (Rose and Barnes 208, Reder and Duncan 1999). Use this quick guide to understand more about obtaining family historical information.
The emotional health and wellbeing of children and young people is a growing concern both nationally and locally. Use this quick guide to assist in understanding how to recognise and respond to the early signs and indicators of emotional distress.