Recording is an essential part of the service provided to children and families. All agencies should have in place clear, systematic case recording and record-keeping systems. The Write Enough interactive training pack to support good practice in recording may be useful to staff and is available at http://www.writeenough.org.uk/
Supervision
Supervision can be defined as:
‘An accountable process which supports assures and develops the knowledge, skills and values of an individual, group or team. The purpose is to improve the quality of their work to achieve agreed outcomes.’
Providing Effective Supervision (Skills for Care and CWDC 2007)
Effective supervision is important in promoting good standards of practice, and supervisors should be available to practitioners as an important source of advice and expertise.
It should:
- help to ensure that practice is soundly based and consistent with LSCB and organisational procedures;
- ensure that practitioners fully understand their roles, responsibilities and the scope of their professional discretion and authority; and
- help identify the training and development needs of practitioners, so that each has the skills to provide an effective service.
Good quality supervision can help to:
- keep a focus on the child;
- avoid drift;
- maintain a degree of objectivity and challenge fixed views
- test and assess the evidence base for assessment and decisions; and
- address the emotional impact of work.
Those providing supervision should be trained in supervision skills and have an up to date knowledge of the legislation, policy and research relevant to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
September 2010
