Conversational Referrals Process for Education Providers
What is the Conversational Referrals Process?
The conversational referrals process is designed to strengthen relationships with education settings and enhance collaboration. Instead of completing a education professionals can now make referrals through a telephone conversation with our safeguarding team on 0191 424 5010.
During these conversations, we will explore:
- The impact of your concerns on the child or young person.
- Steps already taken
- The family network, including friends, and the support they provide.
- Parents’/carers’ and the network’s views on the concerns raised.
- Most importantly, the views of the child or young person we aim to support and protect.
Why are we doing this?
This approach aims to:
- Build on the quality of referrals from education, which often highlight the voices of children and families.
- Strengthen relationships with schools through open, two-way communication.
- Enhance shared understanding of thresholds and decision-making processes. See Threshold Guidance
- Identify barriers, improve processes, and ensure timely, appropriate support.
How does it work?
When you contact us to share a concern, our team will guide the conversation using key questions to capture essential information. This collaborative approach ensures we understand what’s working well, what could be improved, and how we can work together to achieve the best outcomes for children and families.