Safeguarding children team
The safeguarding children team is made up of specialist nurses who provide advice, support, supervision and training to Northumberland Care Trust staff involved with children and families where there are safeguarding concerns.
The team members offer telephone advice to staff involved in complex child protection cases and provide one to one and group supervision at regular intervals for staff with on going case responsibilities and responsibilities. Team members attend case conferences and other information sharing and decision making meetings in relation to safeguarding children.
The team delivers safeguarding training to Northumberland Care Trust staff. The Looked After Children designated nurse and doctor also have a responsibility to ensure the health needs of Looked After Children are met. Children who are in the care of local authorities are described as ‘Looked After Children’. They are one of the most vulnerable groups in society. The majority of children who remain in care are there because they have suffered abuse or neglect.
The safeguarding team does not provide services to the public. It is accessed by staff involved with complex safeguarding cases.
Any staff member can contact the team for advice, support, supervision or to assess their training requirements. The team operates a telephone “duty rota” to enable us to offer a rapid response to staff who require guidance or support. Staff seeking advice can contact the team on 01670 593681.
What do I do if I have concerns about a child?
If you are concerned about a child there are a number of ways you can get help and advice:
- Contact the appropriate child care team on:
- Alnwick
01665 626830 - Wansbeck
01670 815060 - Berwick Walkergate
01289 334000 - Blyth
01670 354316 - Cramlington
01670 712925 - Hexham
01434 603582 - Morpeth
01670 516131
- Ask your GP surgery if you can speak to a health visitor
- Your local school will be able to put you in touch with a school nurse
