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Part 2E+WChildren’s services in England

GeneralE+W

[F19ATargets for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of childrenE+W

(1)The Secretary of State may, in accordance with regulations, set safeguarding targets for a [F2local authority] in England.

(2)The regulations may, in particular—

(a)make provision about matters by reference to which safeguarding targets may, or must, be set;

(b)make provision about periods to which safeguarding targets may, or must, relate;

(c)make provision about the procedure for setting safeguarding targets;

(d)specify requirements with which a [F2local authority] in England must comply in connection with the setting of safeguarding targets.

(3)In exercising their functions, a [F2local authority] in England must act in the manner best calculated to secure that any safeguarding targets set under this section (so far as relating to the area of the authority) are met.

(4)Safeguarding targets”, in relation to a [F2local authority] in England, are targets for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in the authority's area.]

10Co-operation to improve well-beingE+W

(1)Each [F3local authority] in England must make arrangements to promote co-operation between—

(a)the authority;

(b)each of the authority’s relevant partners; and

(c)such other persons or bodies as the authority consider appropriate, being persons or bodies of any nature who exercise functions or are engaged in activities in relation to children in the authority’s area.

(2)The arrangements are to be made with a view to improving the well-being of children in the authority’s area so far as relating to—

(a)physical and mental health and emotional well-being;

(b)protection from harm and neglect;

(c)education, training and recreation;

(d)the contribution made by them to society;

(e)social and economic well-being.

(3)In making arrangements under this section a [F3local authority] in England must have regard to the importance of parents and other persons caring for children in improving the well-being of children.

(4)For the purposes of this section each of the following is a relevant partner of a [F3local authority] in England—

(a)where the authority is a county council for an area for which there is also a district council, the district council;

(b)[F4the local policing body] and the chief officer of police for a police area any part of which falls within the area of the [F3local authority];

(c)a local probation board for an area any part of which falls within the area of the authority;

[F5(ca)the Secretary of State in relation to his functions under sections 2 and 3 of the Offender Management Act 2007, so far as they are exercisable in relation to England;

(cb)any provider of probation services that is required by arrangements under section 3(2) of the Offender Management Act 2007 to act as a relevant partner of the authority;]

(d)a youth offending team for an area any part of which falls within the area of the authority;

[F6(da)[F7NHS England];]

[F8(db)any [F9integrated care board] for an area any part of which falls within the area of the authority;]

F10(e). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(f)a person providing services [F11in pursuance of section 68 of the Education and Skills Act 2008] in any part of the area of the authority;

[F12(fa) the governing body of a maintained school that is maintained by the authority F13 . . . ;

(fb)the proprietor of a school approved by the Secretary of State under section 342 of the Education Act 1996 and situated in the authority's area;

(fc)the proprietor of a city technology college, city college for the technology of the arts or Academy situated in the authority's area;

(fd)the governing body of an institution within the further education sector the main site of which is situated in the authority's area;

(fe)the Secretary of State, in relation to the Secretary of State's functions under section 2 of the Employment and Training Act 1973.]

(g)F14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5)The relevant partners of a [F3local authority] in England must co-operate with the authority in the making of arrangements under this section.

[F15(5A)For the purposes of arrangements under this section a relevant person or body may—

(a)provide staff, goods, services, accommodation or other resources to another relevant person or body;

(b)make contributions to a fund out of which relevant payments may be made.]

(6)F16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(7)F16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(8)A [F3local authority] in England and each of their relevant partners must in exercising their functions under this section have regard to any guidance given to them for the purpose by the Secretary of State.

(9)Arrangements under this section may include arrangements relating to—

(a)persons aged 18 and 19;

(b)persons over the age of 19 who are receiving services under sections 23C to 24D of the Children Act 1989 (c. 41);

(c)persons over the age of 19 but under the age of 25[F17

(i)for whom an EHC plan is maintained, or

(ii)]who have a learning difficulty [F18or disability], within the meaning of [F19section 15ZA(6) and (7) of the Education Act 1996], and are receiving services under [F20section 15ZA of the Education Act 1996 or section F21. . . 86 or 87 of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009]

[F22(10)In deciding for the purposes of subsection (4)(fd) whether the main site of an institution within the further education sector is situated within the area of a [F3local authority], the authority and the governing body of the institution must have regard to any guidance given to them by the Secretary of State.

(11)In this section—

  • governing body ”, in relation to an institution within the further education sector, has the meaning given by section 90 of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992;

  • institution within the further education sector ” has the meaning given by section 4(3) of the Education Act 1996;

  • maintained school ” has the meaning given by section 39(1) of the Education Act 2002;

  • proprietor ”, in relation to a city technology college, city college for the technology of the arts, Academy or other school, means the person or body of persons responsible for its management;

  • relevant payment ”, in relation to a fund, means a payment in respect of expenditure incurred, by a relevant person or body contributing to the fund, in the exercise of its functions;

  • relevant person or body ” means—

    (a)

    a [F3local authority] in England;

    (b)

    a relevant partner of a [F3local authority] in England.]

Textual Amendments

F21Words in s. 10(9)(c) omitted (1.4.2012) by virtue of the Education Act 2011 (c. 21), ss. 67(1), 82(3), Sch. 16 para. 23; S.I. 2012/924, art. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2S. 10 applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2007/2979, Sch. 1 para. 20B (as inserted (1.9.2012) by The Education (Pupil Referral Units) (Application of Enactments) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1201), regs. 1(3), 3)

Commencement Information

I1S. 10 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(2); s. 10 in force for E. at 1.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(2)

11Arrangements to safeguard and promote welfareE+W

(1)This section applies to each of the following—

(a)a [F23local authority] in England;

(b)a district council which is not such an authority;

[F24(ba)[F25NHS England];]

[F26(bb)an integrated care board;]

F27(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(d)a Special Health Authority, so far as exercising functions in relation to England, designated by order made by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this section;

F28(e). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(f)an NHS trust all or most of whose hospitals, establishments and facilities are situated in England;

(g)an NHS foundation trust;

(h)the [F29local policing body] and chief officer of police for a police area in England;

(i)the British Transport Police Authority, so far as exercising functions in relation to England;

[F30(ia)the National Crime Agency;]

(j)a local probation board for an area in England;

[F31(ja)the Secretary of State in relation to his functions under sections 2 and 3 of the Offender Management Act 2007, so far as they are exercisable in relation to England;]

(k)a youth offending team for an area in England;

(l)the governor of a prison or secure training centre in England (or, in the case of a contracted out prison or secure training centre, its director);

[F32(la)the principal of a secure college in England;]

(m)any person to the extent that he is providing services [F33in pursuance of section 74 of the Education and Skills Act 2008].

(2)Each person and body to whom this section applies must make arrangements for ensuring that—

(a)their functions are discharged having regard to the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children; and

(b)any services provided by another person pursuant to arrangements made by the person or body in the discharge of their functions are provided having regard to that need.

(3)In the case of a [F23local authority] in England, the reference in subsection (2) to functions of the authority does not include functions to which section 175 of the Education Act 2002 (c. 32) applies.

(4)Each person and body to whom this section applies must in discharging their duty under this section have regard to any guidance given to them for the purpose by the Secretary of State.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I2S. 11 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(2); s. 11 in force at 1.3.2005 for certain purposes for E. and at 1.10.2005 otherwise for E. by S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(1)(4)

12Information databasesE+W

(1)The Secretary of State may for the purpose of arrangements under section 10 or 11 above or under section 175 of the Education Act 2002—

(a)by regulations require [F34local authorities] in England to establish and operate databases containing information in respect of persons to whom such arrangements relate;

(b)himself establish and operate, or make arrangements for the operation and establishment of, one or more databases containing such information.

(2)The Secretary of State may for the purposes of arrangements under subsection (1)(b) by regulations establish a body corporate to establish and operate one or more databases.

(3)A database under this section may only include information falling within subsection (4) in relation to a person to whom arrangements specified in subsection (1) relate.

(4)The information referred to in subsection (3) is information of the following descriptions in relation to a person—

(a)his name, address, gender and date of birth;

(b)a number identifying him;

(c)the name and contact details of any person with parental responsibility for him (within the meaning of section 3 of the Children Act 1989 (c. 41)) or who has care of him at any time;

(d)details of any education being received by him (including the name and contact details of any educational institution attended by him);

(e)the name and contact details of any person providing primary medical services in relation to him under [F35the National Health Service Act 2006];

(f)the name and contact details of any person providing to him services of such description as the Secretary of State may by regulations specify;

(g)information as to the existence of any cause for concern in relation to him;

(h)information of such other description, not including medical records or other personal records, as the Secretary of State may by regulations specify.

(5)The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision in relation to the establishment and operation of any database or databases under this section.

(6)Regulations under subsection (5) may in particular make provision—

(a)as to the information which must or may be contained in any database under this section (subject to subsection (3));

(b)requiring a person or body specified in subsection (7) to disclose information for inclusion in the database;

(c)permitting a person or body specified in subsection (8) to disclose information for inclusion in the database;

(d)permitting or requiring the disclosure of information included in any such database;

(e)permitting or requiring any person to be given access to any such database for the purpose of adding or reading information;

(f)as to the conditions on which such access must or may be given;

(g)as to the length of time for which information must or may be retained;

(h)as to procedures for ensuring the accuracy of information included in any such database;

(i)in a case where a database is established by virtue of subsection (1)(b), requiring children’s services authorities in England to participate in the operation of the database.

(7)The persons and bodies referred to in subsection (6)(b) are—

(a)the persons and bodies specified in section 11(1);

(b)the Learning and Skills Council for England;

(c)the governing body of a maintained school in England (within the meaning of section 175 of the Education Act 2002 (c. 32));

(d)the governing body of an institution in England within the further education sector (within the meaning of that section);

(e)the proprietor of an independent school in England (within the meaning of the Education Act 1996 (c. 56));

[F36(ea)the proprietor of an alternative provision Academy that is not an independent school (within the meaning of that Act);]

(f)a person or body of such other description as the Secretary of State may by regulations specify.

(8)The persons and bodies referred to in subsection (6)(c) are—

[F37(a)a person registered under Part 3 of the Childcare Act 2006 (regulation of provision of childcare in England);]

(b)a voluntary organisation exercising functions or engaged in activities in relation to persons to whom arrangements specified in subsection (1) relate;

(c)the Commissioners of Inland Revenue;

[F38(ca)a private registered provider of social housing;]

(d)a registered social landlord;

(e)a person or body of such other description as the Secretary of State may by regulations specify.

(9)The Secretary of State may provide information for inclusion in a database under this section.

(10)The provision which may be made under subsection (6)(e) includes provision for a person of a description specified in the regulations to determine what must or may be done under the regulations.

(11)Regulations under subsection (5) may also provide that anything which may be done under regulations under subsection (6)(c) to (e) or (9) may be done notwithstanding any rule of common law which prohibits or restricts the disclosure of information.

(12)Any person or body establishing or operating a database under this section must in the establishment or operation of the database have regard to any guidance, and comply with any direction, given to that person or body by the Secretary of State.

(13)Guidance or directions under subsection (12) may in particular relate to—

(a)the management of a database under this section;

(b)the technical specifications for any such database;

(c)the security of any such database;

(d)the transfer and comparison of information between databases under this section;

(e)the giving of advice in relation to rights under [F39the data protection legislation].

[F40(14)In this section, “the data protection legislation” has the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3 of that Act).]

[F41Children's Trust BoardsE+W

Textual Amendments

F41Ss. 12A-12D and cross-heading inserted (26.2.2010 for certain purposes and 1.4.2010 otherwise) by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), ss. 194(2), 269; S.I. 2010/303, arts. 2, 3, Sch. 1, Sch. 2

12AEstablishment of CTBsE+W

(1)Arrangements made by a [F42local authority] in England under section 10 must include arrangements for the establishment of a Children's Trust Board for their area.

(2)A Children's Trust Board must include a representative of each of the following—

(a)the establishing authority;

(b)each of the establishing authority's relevant partners (subject to subsection (4)).

(3)A Children's Trust Board may also include any other persons or bodies that the establishing authority, after consulting each of their relevant partners, think appropriate.

(4)A Children's Trust Board need not include any of the establishing authority's relevant partners who are of a description prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(5)Subsection (2) does not require a Children's Trust Board to include a separate representative for each of the persons or bodies mentioned in subsection (2)(a) and (b).

(6)Where two or more [F43local authorities] jointly make arrangements under section 10 for the establishment of a Children's Trust Board, references in sections 12B and 17 to the area of the authority that established the Board are to be read as references to an area consisting of the combined areas of those authorities.

(7)For the purposes of this section and sections 12B and 12C—

(a)the establishing authority ”, in relation to a Children's Trust Board, is the [F42 local authority ] that establishes the Board;

(b)a person or body is a “relevant partner” of a [F42local authority] if it is a relevant partner of the authority for the purposes of section 10

[F44otherwise than by virtue of section 10(4)(da) or (db)]

12BFunctions and procedures of CTBsE+W

(1)The functions of a Children's Trust Board are—

(a)those conferred by or under section 17 or 17A (children and young people's plans);

(b)any further functions conferred by regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(2)Regulations under subsection (1)(b) may confer a function on a Children's Trust Board only if the function relates to improving the well-being of children or relevant young persons in the area of the establishing authority.

(3)In subsection (2) “well-being” means well-being so far as relating to one or more of the matters specified in section 10(2)(a) to (e).

(4)A Children's Trust Board must have regard to any guidance given to it by the Secretary of State in connection with—

(a)the procedures to be followed by it;

(b)the exercise of its functions.

(5)In this section “relevant young persons” means persons, other than children, in relation to whom arrangements under section 10 may be made.

12CFunding of CTBsE+W

(1)The establishing authority and any of their relevant partners represented on a Children's Trust Board may make payments towards expenditure incurred by, or for purposes connected with, the Board—

(a)by making the payments directly; or

(b)by contributing to a fund out of which the payments may be made.

(2)The establishing authority and any of their relevant partners represented on a Children's Trust Board may provide staff, goods, services, accommodation or other resources for purposes connected with the functions of the Board.

(3)Two or more Children's Trust Boards may establish and maintain a pooled fund for the purposes of any of their functions.

(4)A pooled fund is a fund—

(a)which is made up of contributions by the Boards concerned, and

(b)out of which payments may be made towards expenditure incurred in the discharge of functions of any of the Boards.

12DSupply of information to CTBsE+W

(1)A person or body represented on a Children's Trust Board must supply to the Board any information requested by the Board for the purpose of enabling or assisting it to perform its functions.

(2)Information supplied to a Children's Trust Board under this section may be used by the Board only for the purpose of enabling or assisting it to perform its functions.

(3)Information requested under subsection (1) must be information that relates to—

(a)the person or body to whom the request is made;

(b)a function of that person or body, or

(c)a person in respect of whom a function is exercisable by that person or body.]

Local Safeguarding Children BoardsE+W

F4513Establishment of LSCBsE+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F45Ss. 13-16 omitted (29.6.2018 for specified purposes, 29.9.2020 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 30, 70(2); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 8(2)(4) (with regs. 8(3), 9, 10)

F4514Functions and procedure of LSCBsE+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F45Ss. 13-16 omitted (29.6.2018 for specified purposes, 29.9.2020 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 30, 70(2); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 8(2)(4) (with regs. 8(3), 9, 10)

F4514ALSCBs: annual reportsE+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F45Ss. 13-16 omitted (29.6.2018 for specified purposes, 29.9.2020 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 30, 70(2); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 8(2)(4) (with regs. 8(3), 9, 10)

F4514BSupply of information requested by LSCBsE+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F45Ss. 13-16 omitted (29.6.2018 for specified purposes, 29.9.2020 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 30, 70(2); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 8(2)(4) (with regs. 8(3), 9, 10)

F4515Funding of LSCBsE+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F45Ss. 13-16 omitted (29.6.2018 for specified purposes, 29.9.2020 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 30, 70(2); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 8(2)(4) (with regs. 8(3), 9, 10)

F4515AReview of LSCBs' performance of functionsE+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F45Ss. 13-16 omitted (29.6.2018 for specified purposes, 29.9.2020 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 30, 70(2); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 8(2)(4) (with regs. 8(3), 9, 10)

F4516LCSBs: supplementaryE+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F45Ss. 13-16 omitted (29.6.2018 for specified purposes, 29.9.2020 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 30, 70(2); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 8(2)(4) (with regs. 8(3), 9, 10)

[F46Child Safeguarding Practice Review PanelE+W

Textual Amendments

F46S. 16A and cross-heading inserted (29.6.2018) by Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 12, 70(2); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 3(a)

16AChild Safeguarding Practice Review PanelE+W

(1)The Secretary of State must establish a panel to be known as the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel.

(2)The Secretary of State may make any arrangements that the Secretary of State considers appropriate for the establishment of the Panel in accordance with this section.

(3)The Panel is to consist of a chair and members appointed by the Secretary of State.

(4)A person may be appointed for a particular period or otherwise.

(5)The Secretary of State may remove the chair or a member of the Panel if satisfied that the chair or member—

(a)has become unfit or unable to discharge his or her functions properly, or

(b)has behaved in a way that is not compatible with continuing in office.

(6)The arrangements that may be made by the Secretary of State under subsection (2) include arrangements about—

(a)the Panel's proceedings;

(b)annual or other reports.

(7)The Secretary of State may provide staff, facilities or other assistance to the Panel (and the arrangements that may be made under this section include arrangements about those matters).

(8)The Secretary of State may pay remuneration or expenses to the chair and members of the Panel.]

[F4716BF47Functions of the PanelE+W

(1)The functions of the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel are, in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State—

(a)to identify serious child safeguarding cases in England which raise issues that are complex or of national importance, and

(b)where they consider it appropriate, to arrange for those cases to be reviewed under their supervision.

(2)The purpose of a review under subsection (1)(b) is to identify any improvements that should be made by safeguarding partners or others to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

(3)Where the Panel arrange for a case to be reviewed under their supervision, they must—

(a)ensure that the reviewer provides a report on the outcome of the review;

(b)ensure—

(i)that the reviewer makes satisfactory progress, and

(ii)that the report is of satisfactory quality;

(c)provide the report to the Secretary of State.

(4)The Panel must publish the report, unless they consider it inappropriate to do so.

(5)If the Panel consider it inappropriate to publish the report, they must publish any information relating to the improvements that should be made following the review that they consider it appropriate to publish.

(6)Regulations under this section may include provision about—

(a)criteria to be taken into account by the Panel in determining whether serious child safeguarding cases raise issues that are complex or of national importance;

(b)eligibility for appointment as a reviewer;

(c)the selection process for appointment of a reviewer;

(d)the person who is to select a reviewer;

(e)the supervisory powers of the Panel in relation to a reviewer;

(f)removal of a reviewer;

(g)payments of remuneration or expenses to a reviewer by the Secretary of State;

(h)the procedure for a review;

(i)the form and content of a report;

(j)the time when a report is to be provided to the Secretary of State, or published.

(7)The Panel must have regard to any guidance given by the Secretary of State in connection with functions conferred by this section.

(8)Guidance given by the Secretary of State may include guidance about—

(a)circumstances in which it may be appropriate for a serious child safeguarding case to be reviewed;

(b)matters to be taken into account in deciding whether a review is making satisfactory progress or whether a report is of satisfactory quality.

(9)In this section—

  • a “reviewer” means any one or more persons appointed to review a case under the supervision of the Panel;

  • safeguarding partners” means persons who, under section 16E, are safeguarding partners in relation to one or more local authority areas in England (see subsection (3) of that section);

  • serious child safeguarding cases” means cases in which—

    (a)

    abuse or neglect of a child is known or suspected by a local authority or another person exercising functions in relation to children, and

    (b)

    the child has died or been seriously harmed;

  • serious harm” includes serious or long-term impairment of mental health or intellectual, emotional, social or behavioural development.]

Textual Amendments

F47S. 16B inserted (19.3.2018 for specified purposes, 29.6.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 13, 70(2); S.I. 2018/346, reg. 3(a); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 3(b)

[F4816CEvents to be notified to the PanelE+W

(1)Where a local authority in England knows or suspects that a child has been abused or neglected, the local authority must notify the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel if—

(a)the child dies or is seriously harmed in the local authority's area, or

(b)while normally resident in the local authority's area, the child dies or is seriously harmed outside England.

(2)A local authority in England must have regard to any guidance given by the Secretary of State in connection with their functions under this section.

(3)In this section “serious harm” has the meaning given by section 16B(9).]

Textual Amendments

[F4916DInformationE+W

(1)The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel may, for the purpose of enabling or assisting the performance of a function conferred by section 16B, request a person or body to provide information specified in the request to—

(a)the Panel,

(b)a reviewer, or

(c)another person or body specified in the request.

(2)The person or body to whom a request under this section is made must comply with the request.

(3)The Panel may enforce the duty under subsection (2) against the person or body by making an application to the High Court or the county court for an injunction.

(4)The information may be used by the Panel, reviewer, or other person or body to whom it is provided only for the purpose mentioned in subsection (1).

(5)In this section “reviewer” means any one or more persons appointed to review a case under the supervision of the Panel.]

Textual Amendments

[F50Safeguarding partners for local authority areasE+W

Textual Amendments

F50S. 16E and crossheading inserted (19.3.2018 for specified purposes, 29.6.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 16, 70(2); S.I. 2018/346, reg. 3(b); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 3(e)

16ELocal arrangements for safeguarding and promoting welfare of childrenE+W

(1)The safeguarding partners for a local authority area in England must make arrangements for—

(a)the safeguarding partners, and

(b)any relevant agencies that they consider appropriate,

to work together in exercising their functions, so far as the functions are exercised for the purpose of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in the area.

(2)The arrangements must include arrangements for the safeguarding partners to work together to identify and respond to the needs of children in the area.

(3)In this section—

  • relevant agency”, in relation to a local authority area in England, means a person who—

    (a)

    is specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State, and

    (b)

    exercises functions in that area in relation to children;

  • safeguarding partner”, in relation to a local authority area in England, means—

    (a)

    the local authority;

    (b)

    [F51an integrated care board] for an area any part of which falls within the local authority area;

    (c)

    the chief officer of police for a police area any part of which falls within the local authority area.]

Textual Amendments

[F5216FLocal child safeguarding practice reviewsE+W

(1)The safeguarding partners for a local authority area in England must make arrangements in accordance with this section—

(a)to identify serious child safeguarding cases which raise issues of importance in relation to the area, and

(b)for those cases to be reviewed under the supervision of the safeguarding partners, where they consider it appropriate.

(2)The purpose of a review under subsection (1)(b) is to identify any improvements that should be made by persons in the area to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

(3)Where a case is reviewed under the supervision of the safeguarding partners, they must—

(a)ensure that the reviewer provides a report on the outcome of the review;

(b)ensure—

(i)that the reviewer makes satisfactory progress, and

(ii)that the report is of satisfactory quality;

(c)provide the report to the Secretary of State and the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel.

(4)The safeguarding partners must publish the report, unless they consider it inappropriate to do so.

(5)If the safeguarding partners consider it inappropriate to publish the report, they must publish any information relating to the improvements that should be made following the review that they consider it appropriate to publish.

(6)The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about—

(a)criteria to be taken into account by the safeguarding partners in determining whether serious child safeguarding cases raise issues of importance in relation to the area;

(b)the appointment or removal of a reviewer by the safeguarding partners, including provision for a reviewer to be appointed by the safeguarding partners from a list provided by the Secretary of State;

(c)the time when a report is to be provided to the Secretary of State or the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel, or published;

(d)the procedure for a review;

(e)the form and content of a report.

(7)In this section “reviewer” means any one or more persons appointed to review a case under the supervision of the safeguarding partners for a local authority area.]

Textual Amendments

F52S. 16F inserted (19.3.2018 for specified purposes, 29.6.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 17, 70(2); S.I. 2018/346, reg. 3(c); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 3(f)

[F5316GFurther provision about arrangementsE+W

(1)This section applies in relation to arrangements made under section 16E or 16F by the safeguarding partners for a local authority area in England.

(2)The safeguarding partners must publish the arrangements.

(3)The arrangements must include arrangements for scrutiny by an independent person of the effectiveness of the arrangements.

(4)The safeguarding partners and relevant agencies for the local authority area must act in accordance with the arrangements.

(5)Subsection (6) applies where a person is specified in regulations under section 16E(3) for the purposes of the definition of “relevant agency”.

(6)The regulations may make provision for the enforcement against the person of the duty imposed by subsection (4), if the Secretary of State considers that there would otherwise be no appropriate means of enforcing that duty against the person (but the regulations may not create criminal offences).

(7)At least once in every 12 month period, the safeguarding partners must prepare and publish a report on—

(a)what the safeguarding partners and relevant agencies for the local authority area have done as a result of the arrangements, and

(b)how effective the arrangements have been in practice.]

Textual Amendments

F53S. 16G inserted (19.3.2018 for specified purposes, 29.6.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 18, 70(2); S.I. 2018/346, reg. 3(d); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 3(g) (with regs. 5-7)

[F5416HInformationE+W

(1)Any of the safeguarding partners for a local authority area in England may, for the purpose of enabling or assisting the performance of functions conferred by section 16E or 16F, request a person or body to provide information specified in the request to—

(a)the safeguarding partner or any other safeguarding partner for the area,

(b)any of the relevant agencies for the area,

(c)a reviewer, or

(d)another person or body specified in the request.

(2)The person or body to whom a request under this section is made must comply with the request.

(3)The safeguarding partner that made the request may enforce the duty under subsection (2) against the person or body by making an application to the High Court or the county court for an injunction.

(4)The information may be used by the person or body to whom it is provided only for the purpose mentioned in subsection (1).]

Textual Amendments

[F5516IFundingE+W

(1)The safeguarding partners for a local authority area in England may make payments towards expenditure incurred in connection with arrangements under section 16E or 16F—

(a)by making payments directly, or

(b)by contributing to a fund out of which the payments may be made.

(2)The payments that may be made include payments of remuneration, allowances or expenses to a reviewer or an independent person.

(3)The safeguarding partners for a local authority area in England may provide staff, goods, services, accommodation or other resources to any person for purposes connected with arrangements under section 16E or 16F.

(4)Relevant agencies for a local authority area in England may make payments towards expenditure incurred in connection with arrangements under section 16E—

(a)by making payments directly, or

(b)by contributing to a fund out of which the payments may be made.

(5)In this section an “independent person” means an independent person mentioned in section 16G(3).]

Textual Amendments

[F5616JCombining safeguarding partner areas and delegating functionsE+W

(1)The safeguarding partners for two or more local authority areas in England may agree that their areas are to be treated as a single area for the purposes of sections 16E to 16I and subsections (3) to (5) of this section.

(2)References in sections 16E to 16I and in subsections (3) to (5) of this section to a local authority area are to be read in accordance with any agreement under subsection (1).

(3)Where a local authority is a safeguarding partner for the same local authority area as another local authority (as a result of an agreement under subsection (1)), the authorities may arrange for one of them to carry out functions under sections 16E to 16I on behalf of the other.

[F57(4)Where an integrated care board is a safeguarding partner for the same local authority area as another integrated care board, the boards may arrange for one of them to carry out functions under sections 16E to 16I on behalf of the other.]

(5)Where a chief officer of police is a safeguarding partner for the same area as another chief officer of police, the officers may arrange for one of them to carry out functions under sections 16E to 16I on behalf of the other.]

[F5816KGuidance by Secretary of StateE+W

(1)The safeguarding partners and relevant agencies for a local authority area in England must have regard to any guidance given by the Secretary of State in connection with functions conferred on them by sections 16E to 16J.

(2)Guidance given by the Secretary of State in connection with functions conferred by section 16F may include guidance about—

(a)circumstances in which it may be appropriate for a serious child safeguarding case to be reviewed;

(b)matters to be taken into account in deciding whether a review is making satisfactory progress or whether a report is of satisfactory quality.]

Textual Amendments

[F5916LInterpretation of sections 16E to 16KE+W

In sections 16E to 16K—

  • reviewer” has the meaning given by section 16F(7);

  • safeguarding partner”, in relation to a local authority area, has the meaning given by section 16E(3);

  • serious child safeguarding cases” has the meaning given by section 16B(9);

  • relevant agency”, in relation to a local authority area, has the meaning given by section 16E(3).]

Textual Amendments

[F60Child death review partners for local authority areasE+W

Textual Amendments

F60S. 16M and cross-heading inserted (29.6.2018) by Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 24, 70(2); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 3(m)

16MChild death reviewsE+W

(1)The child death review partners for a local authority area in England must make arrangements for the review of each death of a child normally resident in the area.

(2)The child death review partners may also, if they consider it appropriate, make arrangements for the review of a death in their area of a child not normally resident there.

(3)The child death review partners must make arrangements for the analysis of information about deaths reviewed under this section.

(4)The purposes of a review or analysis under this section are—

(a)to identify any matters relating to the death or deaths that are relevant to the welfare of children in the area or to public health and safety, and

(b)to consider whether it would be appropriate for anyone to take action in relation to any matters identified.

(5)Where the child death review partners consider that it would be appropriate for a person to take action as mentioned in subsection (4)(b), they must inform that person.

(6)The child death review partners for a local authority area in England must, at such intervals as they consider appropriate, prepare and publish a report on—

(a)what they have done as a result of the arrangements under this section, and

(b)how effective the arrangements have been in practice.]

[F6116NInformationE+W

(1)Any of the child death review partners for a local authority area in England may, for the purpose of enabling or assisting the performance of functions conferred by section 16M, request a person or body to provide information specified in the request to—

(a)the child death review partner or any other child death review partner for the area, or

(b)another person or body.

(2)The person or body to whom a request under this section is made must comply with the request.

(3)The child death review partner that made the request may enforce the duty under subsection (2) against the person or body by making an application to the High Court or the county court for an injunction.

(4)The information may be used by the person or body to whom it is provided only for the purpose mentioned in subsection (1).]

Textual Amendments

[F6216OFundingE+W

(1)The child death review partners for a local authority area in England may make payments towards expenditure incurred in connection with arrangements under section 16M—

(a)by making payments directly, or

(b)by contributing to a fund out of which payments may be made.

(2)The child death review partners for a local authority area in England may provide staff, goods, services, accommodation or other resources to any person for purposes connected with arrangements under section 16M.]

Textual Amendments

16PCombining child death review partner areas and delegating functionsE+W

(1)The child death review partners for two or more local authority areas in England may agree that their areas are to be treated as a single area for the purposes of sections 16M to 16O and subsections (3) and (4) of this section.

(2)References in sections 16M to 16O and in subsections (3) and (4) of this section to a local authority area are to be read in accordance with any agreement under subsection (1).

(3)Where a local authority is a child death review partner for the same local authority area as another local authority (as a result of an agreement under subsection (1)), the authorities may arrange for one of them to carry out functions under sections 16M to 16O on behalf of the other.

[F63(4)Where an integrated care board is a child death review partner for the same local authority area as another integrated care board, the boards may arrange for one of them to carry out functions under sections 16M to 16O on behalf of the other.]

[F6416QGuidance and interpretationE+W

(1)The child death review partners for a local authority area in England must have regard to any guidance given by the Secretary of State in connection with functions conferred on them by sections 16M to 16P.

(2)In this section and sections 16M to 16P “child death review partners”, in relation to a local authority area in England, means—

(a)the local authority;

(b)any [F65integrated care board] for an area any part of which falls within the local authority area.]

Local authority administrationE+W

[F6617Children and young people’s plansE+W

(1)The Secretary of State may by regulations require a Children's Trust Board established by virtue of arrangements under section 10 from time to time to prepare and publish a children and young people's plan.

(2)A children and young people's plan is a plan setting out the strategy of the persons or bodies represented on the Board for co-operating with each other with a view to improving the well-being of children and relevant young persons in the area of the authority that established the Board.

(3)In subsection (2) “well-being” means well-being so far as relating to the matters specified in section 10(2)(a) to (e).

(4)Regulations under this section may in particular make provision as to—

(a)the matters to be dealt with in a children and young people's plan;

(b)the period to which a children and young people's plan is to relate;

(c)when and how a children and young people's plan must be published;

(d)keeping a children and young people's plan under review;

(e)revising a children and young people's plan;

(f)consultation to be carried out during preparation or revision of a children and young people's plan;

(g)other steps required or permitted to be taken in connection with the preparation or revision of a children and young people's plan.

(5)In this section “relevant young persons” means persons, other than children, in relation to whom arrangements under section 10 may be made.]

Textual Amendments

F66Ss. 17, 17A substituted (26.2.2010 for certain purposes and 1.4.2010 otherwise) for s. 17 by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), ss. 194(3), 269; S.I. 2010/303, arts. 2, 3, Sch. 1, Sch. 2

Commencement Information

I4S. 17 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(2); s. 17 in force for E. at 1.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(1)

[F6717AChildren and young people's plans: implementationE+W

(1)This section applies where a Children's Trust Board prepares a children and young people's plan in accordance with regulations under section 17.

(2)The persons and bodies whose strategy for co-operation is set out in the plan must have regard to the plan in exercising their functions.

(3)The Board must—

(a)monitor the extent to which the persons and bodies whose strategy for co-operation is set out in the plan are acting in accordance with the plan;

(b)prepare and publish an annual report about the extent to which, during the year to which the report relates, those persons and bodies have acted in accordance with the plan.]

Textual Amendments

F67Ss. 17, 17A substituted (26.2.2010 for certain purposes and 1.4.2010 otherwise) for s. 17 by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), ss. 194(3), 269; S.I. 2010/303, arts. 2, 3, Sch. 1, Sch. 2

18Director of children’s servicesE+W

(1)A [F68local authority] in England may, and with effect from the appointed day must, appoint an officer for the purposes of—

(a)the functions conferred on or exercisable by the authority which are specified in subsection (2); and

(b)such other functions conferred on or exercisable by the authority as may be prescribed by the Secretary of State by regulations.

(2)The functions referred to in subsection (1)(a) are—

(a)[F69education] functions conferred on or exercisable by the authority F70. . . ;

(b)functions conferred on or exercisable by the authority which are social services functions (within the meaning of the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 (c. 42)), so far as those functions relate to children;

(c)the functions conferred on the authority under sections 23C to 24D of the Children Act 1989 (c. 41) (so far as not falling within paragraph (b));

(d)the functions conferred on the authority under sections 10 to 12 [F71, 12C, 12D and 17A] of this Act; F72. . .

(e)any functions exercisable by the authority under [F73section 75 of the National Health Service Act 2006 or section 33 of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006] on behalf of an NHS body (within the meaning of [F74those sections]), so far as those functions relate to children[F75; F76...

(f)the functions conferred on the authority under Part 1 of the Childcare Act 2006,] [F77 and

(g)any function conferred on the authority under section 2 of the Childcare Act 2016.]

(3)Subsection (2)(a) does not include—

(a)functions under section 120(3) of the Education Reform Act 1988 (c. 40) (functions of LEAs with respect to higher and further education);

(b)functions under section 85(2) and (3) of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 (c. 13) (finance and government of locally funded further and higher education);

(c)functions under section 15B of the Education Act 1996 (c. 56) F78. . . (education for persons who have attained the age of 19);

(d)functions under section 22 of the Teaching and Higher Education Act 1998 (c. 30) (financial support to students);

(e)such other [F79education] functions conferred on or exercisable by a [F68local authority] in England F70. . . as the Secretary of State may by regulations prescribe.

(4)An officer appointed by a [F68local authority] in England under this section is to be known as their “director of children’s services”.

(5)The director of children’s services appointed by a [F68local authority] in England may also have responsibilities relating to such functions conferred on or exercisable by the authority, in addition to those specified in subsection (1), as the authority consider appropriate.

(6)The functions in relation to which a director of children’s services may have responsibilities by virtue of subsection (5) include those referred to in subsection (3)(a) to (e).

(7)A [F68local authority] in England must have regard to any guidance given to them by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this section.

(8)Two or more [F80local authorities] in England may for the purposes of this section, if they consider that the same person can efficiently discharge, for both or all of them, the responsibilities of director of children’s services, concur in the appointment of a person as director of children’s services for both or all of them.

(9)The amendments in Schedule 2—

(a)have effect, in relation to any authority which appoint a director of children’s services before the appointed day, from the day of his appointment; and

(b)on and after the appointed day have effect for all purposes.

[F81(10)In this section—

  • the appointed day” means such day as the Secretary of State may by order appoint;

  • education functions” has the meaning given by section 579(1) of the Education Act 1996.]

Subordinate Legislation Made

P1S. 18(10) power exercised: 1.1.2008 appointed by {S.I. 2007/1792}, art. 2

Textual Amendments

F75S. 18(2)(f) and preceding word inserted (1.4.2007) by Childcare Act 2006 (c. 21), ss. 16(2)(b), 109(2); S.I. 2007/1019, art. 3

Commencement Information

I5S. 18 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(2); s. 18 in force for E. at 1.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(2)

19Lead member for children’s servicesE+W

(1)A [F82local authority] in England must, in making arrangements for the discharge of—

(a)the functions conferred on or exercisable by the authority specified in section 18(1)(a) and (b), and

(b)such other functions conferred on or exercisable by the authority as the authority consider appropriate,

designate one of their members as their “lead member for children’s services”.

(2)A [F82local authority] in England must have regard to any guidance given to them by the Secretary of State for the purposes of subsection (1).

Inspections of children’s servicesE+W

20Joint area reviewsE+W

(1)Any two or more of the persons and bodies to which this section applies must, at the request of the Secretary of State—

(a)conduct, in accordance with a timetable drawn up by them and approved by the Secretary of State, a review of children’s services provided in—

(i)the area of every [F83local authority] in England;

(ii)the areas of such [F84local authorities] in England as may be specified in the request;

(b)conduct a review of such children’s services provided in the area of such [F83local authority] in England as may be specified in the request.

(2)Any two or more of the persons and bodies to which this section applies may conduct a review of any children’s services provided in the area of a particular [F83local authority] in England.

(3)The purpose of a review under this section is to evaluate the extent to which, taken together, the children’s services being reviewed improve the well-being of children and relevant young persons (and in particular to evaluate how those services work together to improve their well-being).

(4)The persons and bodies to which this section applies are—

(a)the Chief Inspector of Schools;

(b)F85. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c)F85. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F86(d)the Care Quality Commission;]

F87(e). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(f)the chief inspector of constabulary;

[F88(g)Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Probation for England and Wales]

F89(h). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(i)the Chief Inspector of Prisons.

(5)Reviews under this section are to be conducted in accordance with arrangements made by the Chief Inspector of Schools.

(6)Before making arrangements for the purposes of reviews under this section the Chief Inspector of Schools must consult such of the other persons and bodies to which this section applies as he considers appropriate.

(7)The annual report of the Chief Inspector of Schools required by [F90subsection (1) of section 121 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006] to be made to the Secretary of State must include an account of reviews under this section; and the power conferred by [F91subsection (3)] of that section to make other reports to the Secretary of State includes a power to make reports about such reviews.

(8)The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision for the purposes of reviews under this section and in particular provision—

(a)requiring or facilitating the sharing or production of information for the purposes of a review under this section (including provision for the creation of criminal offences);

(b)authorising any person or body conducting a review under this section to enter any premises for the purposes of the review (including provision for the creation of criminal offences);

(c)imposing requirements as to the making of a report on each review under this section;

(d)for the making by such persons as may be specified in or under the regulations of written statements of proposed action in the light of the report and the period within which any such action must or may be taken;

(e)for the provision to members of the public of copies of reports and statements made under paragraphs (c) and (d), and for charging in respect of any such provision;

(f)for the disapplication, in consequence of a requirement under this section, of any requirement under any other enactment to conduct an assessment or to do anything in connection with an assessment.

(9)Regulations under subsection (8) may in particular make provision by applying enactments falling within subsection (10), with or without modification, for the purposes of reviews under this section.

(10)The enactments falling within this subsection are enactments relating to the powers of persons and bodies to which this section applies for the purposes of assessments other than reviews under this section.

(11)Regulations under subsection (8) may make provision authorising or requiring the doing of anything by reference to the determination of a person of a description specified in the regulations.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I6S. 20 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(2); s. 20 in force for E. at 1.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(1)

21FrameworkE+W

(1)The Chief Inspector of Schools must devise a Framework for Inspection of Children’s Services (“the Framework”).

(2)The Framework must, for the purpose specified in subsection (3), set out principles to be applied by any person or body conducting a relevant assessment.

(3)The purpose referred to in subsection (2) is to ensure that relevant assessments properly evaluate and report on the extent to which children’s services improve the well-being of children and relevant young persons.

(4)The principles in the Framework may—

(a)include principles relating to the organisation of the results of any relevant assessment;

(b)make different provision for different cases.

(5)For the purposes of subsections (2) to (4) a relevant assessment is an assessment conducted under any enactment in relation to any children’s services.

(6)When devising the Framework, the Chief Inspector of Schools must consult the other persons and bodies to which section 20 applies.

(7)The Chief Inspector of Schools must publish the Framework, but before doing so must—

(a)consult such persons and bodies, other than those referred to in subsection (6), as he thinks fit; and

(b)obtain the consent of the Secretary of State.

(8)The Chief Inspector of Schools may at any time revise the Framework (and subsections (6) and (7) apply in relation to revisions to the Framework as to the original Framework).

Commencement Information

I7S. 21 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(2); s. 21 in force for E. at 1.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(1)

22Co-operation and delegationE+W

(1)Each person or body with functions under any enactment of conducting assessments of children’s services must for the purposes of those assessments co-operate with other persons or bodies with such functions.

(2)A person or body with functions under any enactment of conducting assessments of children’s services may delegate any of those functions to any other person or body with such functions.

Commencement Information

I8S. 22 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(2); s. 22 in force for E. at 1.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(1)

23Sections 20 to 22: interpretationE+W

(1)This section applies for the purposes of sections 20 to 22.

(2)Assessment” includes an inspection, review, investigation or study.

(3)Children’s services” means—

(a)anything done for or in relation to children and relevant young persons (alone or with other persons)—

(i)in respect of which, apart from section 20, a person or body to which that section applies conducts any kind of assessment, or secures that any kind of assessment is conducted; and

(ii)which is specified in, or is of a description prescribed by, regulations made by the Secretary of State;

(b)any function under sections 10 and [F9212B] to 19; F93. . .

(c)any function conferred on a [F94local authority] under section 12[F95; F96...

(d)any function conferred on a local authority under Part 1 of the Childcare Act 2006,] [F97 and

(e)any function conferred on a local authority under section 2 of the Childcare Act 2016.]

(4)Relevant young persons” means persons, other than children, in relation to whom arrangements under section 10 may be made.

[F98(5)The Chief Inspector of Schools” means Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education, Children's Services and Skills.]

24Performance rating of social servicesE+W

F99. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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