BHNFT Q2 Safeguarding Newsletter 2026

Hi, I'm Emma, and I'm delighted to have returned to Barnsley Hospital as the Named Midwifefor Safeguarding Children.

Throughout my career as a midwife, I have worked across a variety of maternity services, including as Antenatal and Postnatal Ward Manager. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in this role.

Safeguarding has always been a passion of mine, and in 2022 I joined the safeguarding team as a Safeguarding Children Advisor. Although it was a significant change, it gave me the opportunity to broaden my knowledge and gain valuable experience in children's safeguarding

For the past two years, I have been working in Sheffield asThe Named Midwifefor Safeguarding. When the opportunity arose to return to Barnsley, I knew it was the right next step. I'm excited to continue my safeguarding journey back at Barnsley Hospital and to work alongside such a dedicated and supportive team.

I am passionate about safeguarding, particularly within maternity services, and I strongly believe in delivering compassionate, trauma-informed care Myfocus is on supporting staffto provide the best possible care, working collaboratively with partner agencies, and helping to keep babies, children, and families safe.

We’re pleased to welcome a new member to the Safeguarding Team.

Emma Fox – Safeguarding Named Midwife

Emma brings valuable experience and enthusiasm to our safeguarding work. You may see her out and about across the hospital please do say hello and give her a warm welcome!

Safeguarding Awareness Week isfast approaching and will take placefrom Monday17th to Friday 21st November 2026. This week is a key opportunity to reflect on our safeguarding responsibilities and learning.

Please keep an eye out for updates and feel free to say hello when you see us out and about!

DATE TIME

20 August 2026 th 9:00am - 17:00pm

7 September 2026 th 9:00am - 17:00pm

8 October 2026 th 9:00am - 17:00pm

10 November 2026 th 9:00am - 17:00pm

3 December 2026 rd 9:00am - 17:00pm

A brief service update from the assessment team.

An introduction to paediatric insomnia, including how sleep difficulties can impact a child and their immediate family, what support is available, and the role of melatonin in supporting sleep.

A brief introduction to Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), including how it may present in children and young people with autism, how it differs from other movement or coordination difficulties, and how to refer for assessment.

Our Safeguarding Champions act as a Safeguarding resource and role model for their ward/department area within their own capabilities and competencies. They assist in the education and empowerment of staff to assist in making safeguarding personal for adults and children.

The next meeting for Safeguarding Champions is:

How much screen time should my child have?

DOLS - NEW GUIDANCE

Following the UK Supreme Court judgment in June 2026, practitioners are now required to take a broader, multifactorial approach and consider all the circumstances rather than relying solely on the Acid Test. Relevant questions include:

Does the person appear to accept or consent to their care and living arrangements?

The Court found that a person may demonstrate valid consent through their words, behaviour, and apparent contentment, even where they lack capacity for specific decisions. What are the nature, degree and effects of the restrictions? Consider the actual restrictions placed on the person, how intensive they are, and their impact on the person's freedom. Looking at all the circumstances, does this amount to a deprivation of liberty requiring legal safeguards?

No single factor is now determinative; practitioners must consider the overall situation and context

Things to consider Does the person Resist, Object, Show Distress or try to leave?

What restrictions are in place and how significant are they? When viewed as a whole, does the situation amount to a deprivation of liberty?

How to videos are available via the safeguarding intranet page to help practitioners complete clinical notes such as referrals on Careflow. Here are a selection...

SAFE PLACE TO SLEEP - BEDS FOR BABIES

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, has announced £2.2 million of funding over four years into the Beds for Babies: Safe Space to Sleep programme, which guarantees a safe place to sleep for all zero-to-fiveyear-olds.

Beds for Babies will provide a Moses Basket, cot, cot bed, toddler bed and/or bedding to any child under five who needs it following referral by an appropriate organisation or statutory agency.

The Beds for Babies scheme can support families through the provision of:

• Cots

• Moses Baskets

• Cot beds

• Toddler beds

• Mattresses

• Bedding bundles

Who is eligible?

The scheme is available to anyone living in Barnsley, and items are available from pre-birth to children up to the age of five. The scheme is not means-tested and is accessible to all families who require support. Who can refer?

A referral can be made by any professional or charity that has identified a family struggling to provide a safe space to sleep for a child.

Guidance is available here and you can apply through the Barnsley Family Hubs website.

Lee, a patient on the ward, tells you they are homeless and have nowhere to go after discharge. They appear anxious and have no family or friends to support them. How would you facilitate a safe discharge for Lee and ensure their immediate safeguarding needs are met?