See Hear Respond England: Review of case closure forms

Informed by See, Hear, Respond, a consortium of charities and partners supporting children and families adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, this summary identifies learning and good practice based on case closure forms completed by practitioners during phase 1 of the programme (June - November 2020).

Five good practice principles for supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities to reintegrate into education, young carers with isolation and loneliness, and children from Black, Asian, Refugee and other ethnic minority groups with mental health and wellbeing needs are identified: flexible child-centred approaches; whole family support; addressing immediate and practical needs; building trusted relationships; and joined-up support.  

Brief 1: Supporting children with SEND to reintegrate into education 

Based on analysis of case closure forms for 799 children and young people, this brief identifies learning and good practice for supporting children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) to reintegrate into education. The analysis identifies six good practice principles: a flexible, child-centred approach; a whole family approach; giving children with SEND their own space; addressing immediate and practical needs; building a trusted relationship with practitioners; and joined-up support.  

Brief 2: Supporting young carers with isolation & loneliness 

Based on analysis of case closure forms for 298 children and young people, this brief identifies learning and good practice for supporting young carers with loneliness and isolation. The analysis identifies seven good practice principles: a flexible, child-centred approach; a whole family approach; joined-up support; building a trusted relationship with practitioners; addressing immediate and practical needs; respite from caring responsibilities; and providing a safe space to talk with peers.  

Brief 3: Supporting children from BAMER groups with mental health and wellbeing needs 

Based on analysis of case closure forms for 3,285 children and young people, this brief identifies learning and good practice for supporting children and young people from Black, Asian, Refugee and other ethnic minority groups with mental health and wellbeing needs. The analysis identifies five good practice principles: a holistic approach; providing structure and routine; addressing physical health and wellbeing; a culturally tailored approach; and a whole family approach.  

Keywords: COVID-19; Case Closures; Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND): Young Carers; Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee (BAMER); Mental Health and Wellbeing