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In this episode, Steve Macabee speaks with Jamie Barton from Parent Assess about how professionals can better understand children’s lived experiences by moving beyond formulaic assessments and focusing on what families actually need.

We explore the difference between a standard parenting assessment and a more individualised, accessible approach, including the use of traffic light systems, practical learning tools, and clear language that families can understand.

Jamie shares how Parent Assess was developed, why the process is grounded in partnership rather than judgment, and how assessors can look at knowledge, confidence, consistency, and impact in a way that keeps the child at the center.

The conversation also covers working with parents who have learning disabilities, trauma, mental health needs, or other complex circumstances, and how early help, connected carers, and trauma-informed practice can all benefit from these principles.

You can find out more about Parent Assess at https://parentassess.com/

Reflective Questions to Discuss in Team Meetings:

1. How well are we understanding this family’s lived experience, rather than just documenting concerns or completing an assessment?

2. What strengths, supports, and practical workarounds could help a parent or carer that you're currently supporting meet the child’s needs more consistently

3. Are we focusing on the child’s overall experience and impact, or are we getting drawn into a single issue that might be narrowing our view?

Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk

If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at ThePPod@somerset.gov.uk

To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

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In this episode of the P-Pod, Steve Macabee speaks with Stuart Whiffin from UNICEF UK about the Rights Respecting Schools Award and its role in building safer, more inclusive school communities.

They explore how a rights-based approach can strengthen safeguarding, wellbeing, relationships, participation and behaviour—while supporting children to understand both their rights and responsibilities. Stuart explains the award’s three core strands, the pathway from Bronze through to Gold accreditation, and how schools can embed children’s rights across everyday practice.

The conversation also looks at the Somerset secondary-school pilot, examples from across the UK, and practical resources for schools and partner agencies that want to get involved.

You can find out more about the Rights Respecting Schools Award here: https://www.unicef.org.uk/rights-respecting-schools/

Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk

If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at ThePPod@somerset.gov.uk

To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

Get in touch with us at The P Pod

In todays episode we are joined by Dr. Lou Newbury and Dr. Jo Nicholl where we discuss the complexities involved with FII, including identifying concerns, understanding the underlying causes and the importance of multiagency communication in this contect.

You can find out more about this subject through the SSCP's Bite-Sized Briefing which accompanies this episode at SSCP Guide to Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII) - Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership

Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk

If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at ThePPod@somerset.gov.uk

To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.