Learning Reviews replace Significant Case Reviews as our methodology to support how we learn and improve child protection systems and practice when a child or young person dies, is significantly harmed, or was at risk of death or significant harm or where effective practice has prevented harm or risk of harm.
Learning Reviews bring a more proportionate, flexible and timely approach , to ensure that learning is relevant to the current practice context and is more systematic in approach. With a focus on additional learning to be gained, moving beyond any shortcomings and seeking to understand why events took place, with a strengthened focus on how learning can be actioned and implemented.
The new model has a greater focus on involving families in the review process, engaging practitioners throughout the review period and establishes a standardised approach to conducting reviews in cases that involve criminal proceedings.
The National guidance for child protection committees undertaking learning reviews document provides guidance for members of Child Protection Committees on how to decide whether a Learning Review is warranted and agree how the review is conducted.
This process map illustrates how this works in practice from referral, to review
Any member of the Child Protection Committee, agency or practitioner can ask for a case to be considered by Aberdeenshire CPC for a Learning Review if they consider it meets the criteria. Best practice is for those considering a referral to have discussions with their colleagues in other services and if a referral is going to be made, agree who would be best placed to undertake this. You can contact the Aberdeenshire CPC Lead Officer to discuss further or if there are any questions. The ‘referral is made via the below form