Significant Incident Notification Guidance

In order to ensure that potential risks to children, young people and the reputation of Rochdale MBC are managed effectively, it is essential that there are robust challenge and support arrangements in place. In addition there are occasions when incidents are so serious that Ofsted, Rochdale Safeguarding Children Board and Senior Leaders should also be notified.

The purpose of this guidance is to provide Practitioners and their supervisors with a framework to assist them in recognising the types of circumstance that require escalation/notification; however this should not be seen as exhaustive and professional judgement should apply in all situations.

Whilst not precluding a telephone conversation, all notifications should be confirmed in writing and sent immediately a situation becomes known, using or following the format at Appendix 1: Critical Case Briefing. The purpose of this is to offer reassurance that procedures are being followed, that timely and appropriate intervention is being applied; to allow support to be offered/provided and further action to be taken i.e. notifying Ofsted and RSCB.

Children subject to a Child Protection Plan

• Children missing who are subject to a Child Protection Plan;
• Children subject to a Child Protection Plan who sustain an injury or die.

Children Looked After

• Children Looked After who are missing from their placement;
• Children Looked After who sustain an injury or die;
• Children looked After who make a complaint/allegation against their carer/parent.

All Children and Young People

• The death of a child/young person;
• Where there is concern in relation to inter-agency co-operation which may compromise a child’s welfare/safety;
• Significant risk to self or others;
• Risk of or being sexually exploited.

Reputation of Rochdale MBC

• Criticism from the Court(s);
• Risk of financial litigation (i.e. Judicial Review or claim against Rochdale MBC);
• Risk of publicity and/or media interest.

In all situations where practitioners or their supervisors are unsure, they should seek the advice/guidance from their line manager.

Paul Marshall,
Assistant Director
Children’s Social Care
Rochdale MBC, Children’s Services

Appendix 1: Critical Case Briefing