Following the death of Baby M, the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel have stated that they are going to conduct a national review, examining the issues raised and whether what happened to Baby M is part of a wider national issue.
Annie Hudson, Chair of the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel, said in her letter to the Secretary of State:
“I am writing to confirm that the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel will
examine the issues raised by the tragic death of Baby M. The Panel has set
out proposed terms of reference for the review and can confirm our intention
to publish the review by May 2024.This national review will work in collaboration with safeguarding partnerships,
agencies and practitioners to ensure that effective local and national learning
is identified.”
The findings and subsequent recommendations off the back of the review will cover areas of
potential national learning which may include but are not limited to:
- Working with people who conceal pregnancies
- Working with parents and carers who are evasive or do not engage with agencies
- Working together across different areas and jurisdictions
- Management of serious offenders
- Responsibilities of private health providers and safeguarding agencies to protect children where healthcare is provided outside the NHS
Gillian Keegan MP, Secretary of State for Education, responded:
“We value the Panel’s insight and expertise in exploring the issues raised by this case, along with the evidence and learning from other situations where children have been seriously harmed, to recognise where there may be a need for improvement in our systems and practice.
It is essential that we take every opportunity to identify learning from serious cases and I am grateful that the review will consider the views of relevant safeguarding
partners, agencies and practitioners to ensure that effective local and national
learning is identified.”
Whilst the review is due to be published in May 2024, the terms of reference can be found here.
