Newsletters
Our Regional Improvement Plan can be found here
If you would like to apply to be a SESLIP consultant you will need to register with Kent Business Portal and once you are registered, log in and navigate to “Response Manager” and the link to View Invites and Responses. The relevant Access Code is KT59CT449W which will take you to DPS – SC240046 – SESLIP – New Suppliers. Please follow the on screen instructions
Updates
Tackling Child Exploitation: Refreshed Multi-agency Practice Principles
On 20 April Research in Practice published Refreshed Multi-agency Practice Principlesfor Tackling Child Exploitation
The publication includes a case study from Slough
Headlines
The principles are designed to support local areas in strengthening effective, child-centred responses. A new resource on child sexual exploitation has also been created to support professionals to apply the principles across agencies and at different levels.
A new resource on child sexual exploitation (CSE) provides guidance to support professionals across agencies and at different levels. This includes those working directly with children and young people, managers and strategic leaders – to apply the Principles in a CSE context and strengthen responses.
Case studies provide examples of how the principles have been applied in local areas, showing how agencies have worked together to strengthen responses and highlight key learning, challenges and impact.
Child neglect: A thematic analysis
On 27 April The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel published Why did it take so long to respond?
Headlines
The paper draws on a literature review, and analysis of 100 rapid reviews and 34 child safeguarding practice reviews.
It explores the prevalence and impact of neglect; how definitional ambiguity delays interventions and contributes to fragmented responses; systemic barriers; the relationship between poverty and neglect; and children’s lived experiences.
The literature review looks at the nature and impacts of child neglect, exploring neglect across the childhood spectrum, as well as protective and risk factors. The Panel has also produced an animation highlighting key learning from the analysis.
Reminders From Previous Weeks
SESLIP Targeted Support – Updated for 2026-27
The SESLIP Targeted Support scheme for 2026-27 is now open to enquiries from children’s services authorities in the south east.
This project is funded by the DfE’s RIIA grant and is open to both CSC and SEND.
Two new packages
The prospectus introduces our dedicated Targeted Support Core Team, which includes experienced, ex-local authority leaders, who have worked at director, assistant director and principal programme manager levels,
The core team’s practice is enhanced by collaboration with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from across the full range of children’s services.
It introduces two new packages: Lean Academy: White and Yellow Belt Training and a Coaching and Mentoring Programme
For more information, or to become involved as a subject matter expert, contact Claire@clairewoodcockconsulting.com
Consultation on SEND reform now open. CLOSES 18 May 11.59pm
On 23 February DfE opened a consultation on SEND reform: putting children and young people first
SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First (pdf, 132 pages)
Headlines
This consultation supports the governments white paper Every child achieving and thriving which outlines the reforms to the schools and SEND system in England.
Responses are bring collected here
- SEND Reform: putting children and young people first (CYP version)220.4 KB (PDF document)
- SEND Reform: putting children and young people first (Easy Read)5.1 MB (PDF document)
Regional Improvement Plan 2025-26
On 18 July 2025 SESLIP published our regional improvement plan for 2025-26
Headlines
The regional improvement plan has 47 projects and a budget of just under £2m.
The plan incorporates our delivery plan for DfE’s RIIA grant of £1.6m to SESLIP for financial year 2025-26.
Production of the 2026-27 improvement plan has been postponed pending confirmation of the DfE RIIA grant for 2026-27. We are waiting confirmation of the value of the grant and the associated statement of requirements.
Tools & Templates
We have produced a Regional Improvement Plan (July 2025)
On 1 May SESLIP published its Targeted Support Prospectus – updated for 2026-27
On 27 April The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel published Why did it take so long to respond?
On 24 April Foundations re-published its practice guide: Parenting through adversity – parents of children and young people 11-18.
On 22 April NAO published Responding to changing demand for school places
On 20 April Research in Practice published Refreshed Multi-agency Practice Principlesfor Tackling Child Exploitation. The publication includes a case study from Slough
On 16 April EPI published Educational psychologists in England
On 2 April DfE published Outcomes for children in need, including children looked after by local authorities in England
On 1 April NSPCC published Race, ethnicity and culture: learning from case reviews – Summary of learning for improved practice around race, ethnicity and culture
On 31 March DHSC published Independent review into mental health conditions, ADHD and autism: interim report
On 31 March What Works in SEND published a library of Change Programme Insights and Resources
On 26 March DfE published The Families First Partnership (FFP) Programme Guide for 2026-2027
On 26 March DfE published Guidance for LAs and others setting up a Regional Care Cooperative
On 25 March DfE published an advertisement for Panel Member, Expert Panel for National Inclusion Standards and Specialist Provision Packages
On 23 March Foundations (What Works Centre for Children and Families) published Family Group Conferences: Service Design and Family Experience (pdf, 123 pages)
On 18 March DfE published Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026
On 4 February DfE opened a consultation on Foster care reform: proposed changes to assessment and handling of allegations of abuse
On 21 January the Ofsted, CQC, HMIFRS and HMIProbation published a review of recent JTAI reports on children who are victims of domestic abuse
On 16 January the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Commons published its report Financial sustainability of children’s homes
On January 15 DfE published data reported by local authorities on children of compulsory school age in elective home education (EHE) in England.
On 13 January Foundations (What Works Centre for Children and Families) published Parenting through adversity: parents of children and young people aged 11-18
On 11 January the Children’s Commissioner published Children living in illegal children’s home
On 31 December Coram published From Surviving to Thriving key findings and recommendations from Coram Voice’s Bright Spots programme
On 26 November DfE published annual statistics for Fostering 2024-2025
On 26 November DfE published annual statistics for Children looked after in England including adoptions 2024-2025
On 24 November NSPCC published Tipping point: tackling the challenges in safeguarding children educated at home