Analysis from the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) shows increasing safeguarding demands on local authorities. The interim report finds that:

• 77 million initial contacts were received at the ‘front door’ to children’s services in 2021/22, an increase of 10 per cent in the last two years
• An estimated 282,320 early help assessments took place in 2021/22, a 16 per cent increase in the past two years
• 217,800 section 47 child protection enquiries were undertaken in England in 2021/22, an increase of seven per cent in the last two years.

The association has also published separate analysis showing how the dramatic rise in children’s mental health needs threatens to “overwhelm” the social care system.

Rob Hattersley, 360 MD, commented ‘Whilst this unsustainable demand on Children’s Services is ultimately the responsibility of government, we’re keen to speak with local children’s service departments about how Skill City VR can help teachers address safeguarding topics in the classroom, raising awareness and kick starting important discussions on some tricky topics. Hard pressed teachers know that safeguarding and wellbeing should be a top priority – we want to help them do something about it.”

A report from Children & Young People is worth a read.