Concerned about a child?

How the SPA team works

Protecting children and young people from harm is one of the most important things we do.  
We are committed to ensuring that all children with additional needs are identified early, referred to appropriate services and monitored through effective information sharing between agencies and professionals.  
Our single point of access (SPA) acts as a central information hub.  The SPA streamlines and rationalises any contact we receive, whether it is from a member of the public or a professional, relating to child protection or safeguarding. The team is made up of;

• a team manager and a deputy team manager - both qualified social workers
• five full time Contact Information Officers
• a part-time health visitor
• a Service Coordinator

What are the functions of the SPA team:

• collate and record information where concerns have been raised regarding a child or young person
• facilitate referrals to the appropriate team and liaise with partner agencies where appropriate
• signpost customers to support services
• identify any gaps in service provision to help further service development
• ensure that all information shared with partner agencies is done so in accordance with our information sharing policies
• responding to correspondence in accordance with our Customer Service Standards