East Sussex Safeguarding Children Partnership: Child 6 Rapid Review Learning Briefing

Publication of Child Six Rapid Review Learning Briefing

In September 2025 the ESSCP Case Review Group asked agencies to undertake a ‘rapid review’ of information they held about Child six. This was following a serious safeguarding incident involving Child 6, who died following a knife injury. Both the victim and alleged perpetrator were under 18 years old and previously known to statutory services.

ESSCP Learning Briefing Child 6 Rapid Review FEB-2026

This case highlighted learning with regards to:

·       Increased contextual safeguarding risks to vulnerable children during school holidays, education transition periods and during periods when missing education.

·       The statutory agency response to education referrals regarding disclosures of young people being in possession of weapons.

·       Multi-agency attendance at Child Protection Case Conferences is crucial to allow for a holistic discussion on risk, particularly in relation to contextual safeguarding risks.

This case also highlighted some examples of best practice, such as the support and interventions put in place to try and reduce the contextual safeguarding concerns, including a SAFER Keyworker. Examples of co-ordinated approaches and joint working to direct the child away from further risk of exploitation. Additionally, the school’s supportive response to the child’s needs academically and pastorally, with safeguarding as a priority.

It is important that you know about this review, and it’s learning, so that the improvements identified become embedded into practice. Please do discuss the learning points in your team meetings and/or group supervision.