Signs of Safety
Signs of Safety is an internationally successful model which will transform the way we work with children and families across Northamptonshire.
The model is about building relationships and working together; with families and children, professionals and colleagues, and identifying together areas that need to change, including worries and risk, whilst focusing on strengths, resources and networks.
Signs of Safety is happening in Northamptonshire now, so it’s important that everyone working with children and families begins to understand this new approach so our work across the partnership is consistent and joined up.
The Launch
In November 2017, Northamptonshire County Council launched Northamptonshire’s Signs of Safety journey with their staff and partners. At these events organisational strengths, danger statements (key areas we’re worried about that Signs of Safety can help with), and organisational goals (what needs to be put into place to no longer be worried) were explored.
The Signs of Safety charter, which covers some simple behaviours and actions that can be taken to help ensure success with Signs of Safety were shared.
Partner Briefings
We have a number of Signs of Safety Briefings running for Northamptonshire County Council Children’s Services staff, which we have now opened up to partners. If you would like to attend one of these sessions please add your details to the delegate attendance form (here), email them to us at signsofsafety@northamptonshire.gov.uk and we will create an iLearn account for you (needed to register for the training) and book your place. If you could let us know your 1st and 2nd preference for dates that would be helpful.
Signs of Safety Briefings
| 21 August 2018 | 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM |
| 7 September 2018 | 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM |
| 25 September 2018 | 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM |
| 9 October 2018 | 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM |
| 22 October 2018 | 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM |
| 20 November 2018 | 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM |
| 3 December 2018 | 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM |
| 5 February 2019 | 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM |
| 9 March 2019 | 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM |
If these dates aren’t suitable, as part of our desire to work with all our partners to share knowledge and experience, we have arranged a multi-partner evening briefing session on Wednesday 26th September 2018 between 17.00 and 19.00. You will not need to attend this session, if you attend one of the above briefings.
All of the briefing sessions will be held in the Learning Hub at One Angel Square, St John's Street, Northampton, NN1 1ED.
These briefing sessions are targeted towards your safeguarding leads, to provide an overview of Signs of Safety and help you understand the approach and benefits. At this stage we would ask that only a couple of professionals from the same agency attend at a time. Following these initial briefing sessions, training for wider staff groups can be sought through the official training provider.
Case Studies and Good News Stories
Sharing best practice and learning with each other is such a valuable part of our Signs of Safety journey and although we have has only just begun, we’re already getting examples of how our developing skills and this new approach are improving our support for children and families.
Have a look below for case studies and good news stories to celebrate and learn from:
Signs of Safety Toolkit
If you have attended a Signs of Safety briefing, the tool templates on the signs of safety toolkit page are your next step for having a go at using the approach.
Let us know how you’re getting on at Signsofsafety@northamptonshire.gov.uk and if you have any questions.
Last updated: 06 August 2018