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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.

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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.

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Join host Steve Macabee and his guests Beth Ollive and Hari Fuller from Somerset Council's Education Safeguarding Service as they bring you all of the most significant updates from both KCSiE and the EYFS in 2026.

After a couple of years of there being no major updates to KCSiE, this years update introduces a number of new specific requirements relating to regulated activities, serious youth violence, AI technology and online harms and children questioning their gender, as well as changes in line with numerous pieces of legislation that came into force this year, so it's more important than ever to catch up on the headlines in time for the new academic year.

NB - Since originally recording this episode at the end of August 2026 the final version of KCSiE was published on the 1st Sept. and included some small additions, which have been included at the end of the original recording.

For more details from the Education Safeguarding Service go to their website https://www.supportservicesforeducation.co.uk/educationsafeguarding

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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What if the key to safeguarding infants lies in understanding the often-overlooked complexities of family trauma, rapid mobility, and concealed pregnancies?

Sally Shearer OBE, a leading expert from the National Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel, shares ground breaking insights from their latest report, Protecting All Vulnerable Babies Better. This episode reveals how systemic gaps—like poor cross-border communication and unaddressed trauma—can mean the difference between life and death for our youngest children.

Discover why the most vulnerable babies are at highest risk during their first year, especially those in families that frequently move or hide pregnancies. Sally unpacks the patterns, revealing how repeat removals and trauma responses hinder effective safeguarding. Learn how trauma-informed, family-led approaches can break this cycle—turning seemingly insurmountable barriers into opportunities for meaningful intervention.

We also delve into practical steps for professionals across all sectors—midwives, social workers, healthcare providers—and how vibrant, collaborative communication strategies, like robust pre-birth protocols and improved information sharing, can be game changers. The review emphasizes that safeguarding isn’t just about reacting to crises but about proactive, systemic change—particularly for families with complex histories.

Why does this matter? Because unintentional systemic gaps—like poor inter-agency communication or lack of curiosity—mean children fall through the cracks. But with targeted, trauma-aware practices, professionals can prevent loss, support family reunification, and save lives. This episode is essential listening for anyone committed to reshaping child protection to be more compassionate, effective, and proactive.

Check out the National Panel's website, where you can find more details of this review HERE

Reflective questions for professionals:

1. How does trauma-informed practice influence your approach to engaging families who are difficult to reach?
2. What systemic barriers—like communication or data sharing—might be preventing children from being safeguarded effectively in your area?
3. How can your team improve cross-agency collaboration to ensure seamless safeguarding of families across borders or frequent moves?

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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Most of us find it incredibly uncomfortable to discuss child sexual abuse openly—and for good reason.

Jeremy Indika, founder of Something to Say and advocate for survivors, joins us to unravel why talking about abuse remains taboo and how we can break down those barriers. His powerful personal story, alongside expert insights, shines a light on the unseen complexities that make it so hard for children and adults alike to speak up—and why staying silent is the biggest risk of all.

You’ll discover:

• The subtle signs and manipulative tactics abusers use to keep children silent and examples from Jeremy’s own experience.
• How our current conversations and protective measures might be outdated and what new approaches can empower children to disclose safely.
• The importance of shifting perceptions: viewing abuse through a child’s lens and understanding why pleasure or confusion can complicate their responses.
• Practical strategies for professionals and parents to foster confidence, trust, and open dialogue with children—without adding to their shame or confusion.
• Why engaging directly with offenders can be part of prevention—and how a science-based, rational approach can help us understand and disrupt grooming behaviours before harm occurs.

This episode is essential listening for anyone working with children—teachers, social workers, youth workers, and parents—who want to move beyond fear and stigma to truly protect and empower young lives. Jeremy’s insights challenge us all to rethink our responses and build a safer, more open future.

Jeremy Indika is a passionate advocate, founder of Something to Say, and a survivor who uses his experiences to educate and reform safeguarding practices across sectors.

To find out more go to https://jeremyindika.com/

Reflective Questions from this Episode:
1. How can we create a safe and supportive environment for children to disclose abuse without fear of judgment or repercussions.

2. In what ways can our current safeguarding practices be improved to better identify and respond to subtle signs of abuse?

3.How can we engage with offenders in a way that contributes to prevention and understanding, while maintaining the safety and dignity of survivors?

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 todays episode we're fortunate to be joined by Dr. Alex Bailey, Forensic Psychologist from The Lucy Faithful Foundation as we look to gain a greater understanding of differing typologies of female perpetrators of CSA, the risks and additional barriers to children when the perpetrator of abuse is female and the support available for both actual and potential perpetrators and professionals through the Stop It Now campaign.

Find out more at www.lucyfaithful.org.uk

Reflective Questions Based on This Episode:

1. How can we ensure that our safeguarding practices are free from unconscious bias, particularly in recognizing female perpetrators of abuse?
   
   
2. What strategies can we implement to create a safe environment for children to disclose abuse, especially when the perpetrator is a female caregiver?
   
   
3. In what ways can we better support and educate families and communities about the complexities of abuse dynamics, including the roles of women as potential perpetrators?

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.