Local Context. 4.1 Safeguarding children is a key strength in Merton. The 2017 Ofsted Inspection found the Board to be Outstanding with no recommendations for improvement. Specifically, inspectors found that There are strong governance arrangements underpinned by established partnerships with other strategic boards, The independent chair provides decisive strategic leadership and challenge to partners The board has been supported by a highly experienced and competent business unit which actively monitors the risk and challenge log and drives the business plan forward. The work of the board also benefits from excellent business administrators. There is a strong engagement across the partnership, including with schools, the voluntary sector, faith and wider community groups on safeguarding issues. Members are drawn from a wide range of partners who hold strategic safeguarding 1 Working Together 2018, “The geographical footprint for the new arrangements is based on local authority areas.”, chapter 3, paragraph 15, p. 75: roles in their agency, and are experienced and influential in their organisations. All partners make a proportionate financial contribution to MSCB. The understanding and application of thresholds by partners are reviewed regularly to ensure that they remain fit for purpose. The comprehensive range of high-quality, up-to-date policies and procedures are exemplary. These are regularly reviewed by the board and the business improvement group to ensure compliance and to ensure that policies are relevant. The board has strategic oversight of and policy development in critical areas of safeguarding practice including Prevent, FGM, CSC, harmful sexual behaviour, gangs and county lines, serious youth violence and contextual safeguarding2. 4.2 In making the transition from a Local Safeguarding Children’s Board to a Local Safeguarding Partnership, Merton is moving forward from a position of outstanding performance. The constitution of the new partnership, therefore, builds on the strength of our existing partnerships and our continued relentless focus on safeguarding children and promoting their welfare. The aim of this partnership agreement is to reflect the kind of partnership which was recognised in the 2017 Ofsted Inspection of the Board.3 4.3 In accordance with Working Together 2018, the Merton Safeguarding Children Partnership recognises that “Schools, colleges and other educational providers have a pivotal role to play in safeguarding children and promoting their welfare. Their co-operation and buy-in to the new arrangements will be vital for success. ”4 The Partnership therefore recognises the vital role of schools, colleges and other educational providers by including sector representatives as a primary Relevant Agency.
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Sources: Partnership Agreement
Local Context. 4.1 Safeguarding children is a key strength in Merton. The 2017 Ofsted Inspection found the Board to be Outstanding with no recommendations for improvement. Specifically, inspectors found that There are strong governance arrangements underpinned by established partnerships with other strategic boards, The independent chair provides decisive strategic leadership and challenge to partners The board has been supported by a highly experienced and competent business unit which actively monitors the risk and challenge log and drives the business plan forward. The work of the board also benefits from excellent business administrators. There is a strong engagement across the partnership, including with schools, the voluntary sector, faith and wider community groups on safeguarding issues. Members are drawn from a wide range of partners who hold strategic safeguarding 1 Working Together 2018, “The geographical footprint for the new arrangements is based on local authority areas.”, chapter 3, paragraph 15, p. 75: roles in their agency, and are experienced and influential in their organisations. All partners make a proportionate financial contribution to MSCBMSCP. The understanding and application of thresholds by partners are reviewed regularly to ensure that they remain fit for purpose. The comprehensive range of high-quality, up-to-date policies and procedures are exemplary. These are regularly reviewed by the board and the business improvement group to ensure compliance and to ensure that policies are relevant. The board has strategic oversight of and policy development in critical areas of safeguarding practice including Prevent, FGM, CSC, harmful sexual behaviour, gangs and county lines, serious youth violence and contextual safeguarding2.
4.2 In making the transition from a Local Safeguarding Children’s Board to a Local Safeguarding Partnership, Merton is moving forward from a position of outstanding performance. The constitution of the new partnership, therefore, builds on the strength of our existing partnerships and our continued relentless focus on safeguarding children and promoting their welfare. The aim of this partnership agreement is to reflect the kind of partnership which was recognised in the 2017 Ofsted Inspection of the Board.3
4.3 In accordance with Working Together 2018, the Merton Safeguarding Children Partnership recognises that “Schools, colleges and other educational providers have a pivotal role to play in safeguarding children and promoting their welfare. Their co-operation and buy-in to the new arrangements will be vital for success. ”4 The Partnership therefore recognises the vital role of schools, colleges and other educational providers by including sector representatives as a primary Relevant Agency.
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