What is a Serious Incident Notification (SIN)?  

A Serious Incident Notification (SIN) is a statutory requirement for local authorities to notify the National Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel and Ofsted when:

• A child dies or is seriously harmed, and
• Abuse or neglect is known or suspected to be a cause or contributory factor.

Definition of Serious Harm:
Serious harm includes (but is not limited to) serious and/or long-term impairment of a child’s mental health or intellectual, emotional, social, or behavioural development. Even if a child recovers, serious harm may still have occurred.

When Should a SIN Be Made?   

A SIN must be submitted within 5 working days when:

• A child has died or been seriously harmed, and
• Abuse or neglect is known or suspected.

Other circumstances:

• The death of a looked after child (regardless of cause) must always be notified.
• The death of a care leaver up to age 24 should also be notified, though not all cases require a Rapid Review or CSPR.

Who Makes a SIN and How?  

• Any agency can raise a potential SIN, but only the Local Authority can submit the notification.
• The decision is made by the three Delegated Safeguarding Partners (DSPs):
  • Director of Children’s Services (Local Authority)
  • Director of Nursing (ICB)
  • Chief Superintendent (Police)
• The DSPs hold an exceptional meeting (virtual or in-person) within one working day of referral to decide if the criteria are met.
• If agreed, the Local Authority submits the SIN via the Child Safeguarding Incident Notification System.
• SIN Notification Form

What is a Near Miss?  

A Near Miss is a situation where a child was at significant risk of serious harm or death, but this was averted by timely intervention or did not occur for other reasons.

• Near Misses may not meet the statutory threshold for a SIN, but they are still important for learning and system improvement.
• Any agency can refer a Near Miss case using the notification form.

What is a Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review (CSPR)?  

A Child Safeguarding Practice Review (CSPR) is an in-depth, independent review conducted when a child has died or been seriously harmed as a result of abuse or neglect, and there is potential for systemic learning.

• CSPRs aim to identify key learning, improve multi-agency practice, and prevent future harm.
• Reviews are not about assigning blame, but about understanding what happened and how to improve.

The Procedure in South Tyneside  

Step 1: Identification and Referral

• If you become aware of a serious incident or near miss, immediately inform your agency’s designated safeguarding lead.
• Discuss the case and, if appropriate, complete the notification form.

Step 2: Decision by Safeguarding Partners

• The three DSPs review the referral within one working day and decide if a SIN should be submitted and/or if a Rapid Review is required.

Step 3: Submission of SIN

• If criteria are met, the Local Authority submits the SIN within five working days.

Step 4: Rapid Review

• If a Rapid Review is required, the Safeguarding Business Unit (SBU) coordinates information gathering from all involved agencies (responses due within five working days).
• The Rapid Review meeting is held on the eighth working day after notification.
• The review identifies immediate learning and makes recommendations about whether a CSPR is needed.

Step 5: Near Misses

• Near Miss cases are reviewed by the DSPs, who decide if a Rapid Review is needed.
• The process mirrors that of notifiable cases, with proportionate timescales and a focus on learning.

Step 6: Child Safeguarding Practice Review (CSPR)

• If a CSPR is commissioned, it is conducted by independent reviewers.
• The process includes engagement with families (where appropriate), analysis of practice, and publication of findings and recommendations.

What Should Safeguarding Professionals Be Aware Of?  

• Timeliness: All actions must meet statutory timescales.
• Clarity: Provide clear, factual information and avoid speculation or blame.
• Multi-agency working: All relevant agencies must contribute to reviews and action plans.
• Family engagement: Families should be informed and involved where appropriate.
• Learning culture: The focus is on improving practice and outcomes for children.

Information Sharing and Individual Management Reviews (IMRs)  

Effective information sharing is essential for safeguarding children and for the success of Rapid Reviews and CSPRs.

Legal Framework

• Children Act 2004 (Section 11): Requires organisations to make arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, including sharing information.
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026: Expects all agencies to share relevant information for reviews and safeguarding purposes.
• Data Protection Act 2018 & UK GDPR: Allow sharing of personal information without consent where there is a lawful basis, such as protecting a child from harm or for statutory reviews.
• Human Rights Act 1998: Information sharing must be proportionate and necessary, balancing the rights of the child and family with the need to protect.

Key Principle:
You do not need consent to share information if there is a statutory or legal requirement, or if sharing is necessary to protect a child from harm.

When and How to Share Information

• As soon as a Rapid Review or CSPR is initiated, agencies will be asked to provide relevant information.
• Respond promptly to requests from the Safeguarding Business Unit (SBU) or review panel.
• Share factual, accurate, and proportionate information about your agency’s involvement, actions, and learning.
• Use secure channels (e.g., encrypted email, secure portals) and follow your organisation’s information governance procedures.
• If in doubt, seek advice from your designated safeguarding lead or information governance officer.

What is an Individual Management Review (IMR)?

An Individual Management Review (IMR) is a structured report completed by each agency involved in a case subject to a Rapid Review or CSPR. The IMR:

• Provides a detailed chronology of the agency’s involvement with the child and family.
• Analyses key decisions, actions, and any missed opportunities or good practice.
• Identifies lessons learned and recommendations for improvement within the agency.
• Forms part of the evidence base for the multi-agency review and informs system-wide learning.

IMR Guidance:

• Complete the IMR honestly and objectively, focusing on facts and analysis.
• Avoid speculation or attributing blame to individuals.
• Submit the IMR within the timescales set by the review panel or SBU.
• Use the template provided by the Safeguarding Children Partnership.

When and How to Refer  

• Refer immediately if you suspect a serious incident or near miss.
• Use the SIN Notification Form and follow your agency’s procedures.
• For advice or support, contact the Safeguarding Children Partnership Business Unit at SafeguardingChildrenBoard@southtyneside.gov.uk