Qualification: NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator
Unit: Unit 2.2: Understand legislation relating to the safeguarding, protection and welfare of children
Learning outcome: Understand the purpose of serious case reviews
Assessment criteria: Analyse how serious case reviews inform practice
Serious case reviews (SCRs) are usually conducted when a child dies or is seriously harmed, and there are concerns about how agencies have worked together to protect them. They aim to identify what lessons can be learned from the case and make recommendations to improve future practice.
SCRs can provide vital information about what works well and where improvements need to be made to keep children safe. They can also help raise awareness of potential risks and improve how agencies work together.
In England, SCRs are conducted by local Safeguarding Children Boards (SCBs).
The findings of SCRs are used to inform practice and policy at a local, regional and national level. For example, the findings of SCRs are used to inform the work of the Serious Case Review Panel, which makes recommendations to the government on improving child protection.
SCRs are also used to inform training and development for professionals who work with children. For example, the findings of SCRs are used to inform the content of child protection training for social workers.
SCRs are an important source of information for agencies that work with children and families. They can help improve practice and ensure that children are better protected in the future.