Children & Young People

7.1 Key facts

• The population of children and young people (CYP) in Barnet is estimated to grow by 2% between 2019 and 2025, from 100,200 to 102,000. However, there will be considerable variation in the growth of the younger population across wards in the near future.
• In January 2018, there were 65,789 pupils in Barnet spread across 163 schools. Nearly half of these pupils (48.3%) attended the primary schools in the borough (n = 31,755), with 38.9% attending local secondary schools (n=25,587).
• In 2017/18, a fifth (20.0%) of Reception year children (aged 4-5 years) in Barnet were overweight (i.e. were either overweight or obese), which is significantly lower than both London (21.8%) and England (22.4%). Similarly, the proportion of Reception year children in Barnet who were obese in 2017/18 was 8.4%, which was also significantly lower than both London (10.1%) and England (9.5%).
• Just over three quarters of 5 year olds in Barnet (76.0%) had received two doses of MMR vaccine in 2017/18, which was significantly lower than both London (77.8%) and England (87.2%).
• The proportion of five-year olds who received the Hib / MenC vaccination booster by their 5th birthday during 2017/18, was 85.0%, which was significantly lower than both London (88.1%) and England (92.4%).
• Based on HMRC data, 14.0% of children in Barnet aged under 16 were in low income families in 2016, which was significantly lower than both London (18.8%) and England (17.0%). Similarly, the IMD (2015) score of 17.8 for Barnet, makes it one of the least deprived boroughs in London, despite considerable variation in the level of poverty across its wards.
• In 2017/18, the rate of hospital admissions as a result of self-harm for 10-24 year olds in Barnet was the 285.3 per 100,000, which as the 5th highest of the London boroughs and significantly higher than the London average (209.1 per 100,000). It was however significantly lower than the national (England) figure of 421.2 per 100,000 population aged 10-24 years.
• According to the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QoF), 1.05% of registered patients in Barnet (of all ages) suffered from psychosis in 2017/18, which was significantly lower than the London average (1.11%), but significantly higher than the prevalence for England (0.94%).
• Between April 2017 and April 2019, there were 5,708 domestic abuse (hate crime) offences recorded by the Metropolitan Police in Barnet. In the 12 months to April 2019, the number of these offences recorded for the borough was 12.75% higher than the previous 12 months, compared to 11.17% for London overall.

7.2 Strategic needs

• At ward level, the highest population of children and young people (aged 0-19 years) in 2018, was predicted for Golders Green ward (6,900). However, by 2025, Colindale ward is projected to have the highest CYP population in Barnet (9,500), having experienced a 45% increase since 2018.
• In general, the wards with the greatest increase in their CYP population between 2018 and 2025 are found in the west of the borough (e.g. Colindale, Mill Hill and Golders Green), largely coinciding with the areas of planned regeneration. In contrast, those with the greatest decrease in their 0-19 populations during this period are concentrated in the east of Barnet (e.g. Garden Suburb, Coppetts and Woodhouse).
• Almost three-quarters of Barnet children (74%) achieved a good level of development by the end of the Reception Year in 2017/18, which was similar to the overall average for London (73.8%), however for a relatively affluent borough, it still has some work to do in the area of early years development, if it is to improve its ranking of 15th out of 32 London boroughs on this measure.
• The proportion of 5 year old children in Barnet who had received two doses of MMR or the Hib / Men C vaccination booster during 2017/18 was significantly lower than both London and England. Vaccine coverage is a strong indicator of the amount of protection against communicable diseases and is linked to the level of these diseases within the population, so increasing the vaccine coverage for 5 year olds for both MMR and Hib / Men C in the borough may be warranted.
• Based on data from the End Child Poverty Coalition, for July–September 2017, the highest proportions of children living in poverty in Barnet were found in Colindale, Burnt Oak, Woodhouse and Childs Hill, which all have a third or more of their children living in poverty after housing costs are considered. In contrast, less than a fifth of children in Finchley Church End, Totteridge, High Barnet and Garden Suburb were living in poverty during the same period. This disparity in the proportions of children living in poverty between different wards in the borough has important implications for health and wellbeing as well as service provision.
• The local need for effective Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) is underlined by the percentage of school age pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs in Barnet. For 2018, this percentage is 2.61% for Barnet, which is significantly higher than both London (2.41%) and England (2.39%). The percentage of primary school and secondary school pupils in the borough with social, emotional and mental health needs are also significantly higher than the national average, in each case.
• Despite the relative low estimated prevalence for various mental disorders in the borough, hospital admissions due to self-harm for 10-24 year olds in Barnet have been significantly higher than London, since 2015/16.
• According to the Crime Survey of England and Wales (CSEW), during the year ending March 2018, 7.9% of women and 4.2% of men experienced domestic abuse, so overall 6.1% of people aged 16-59 years experienced some domestic abuse in the previous year. At a local level, using these proportions, about 5,100 men and 9,400 women aged 16-59 years in Barnet experienced domestic abuse in the last year, a total of roughly 14,500 people. These figures show the magnitude of the problem in Barnet and emphasise the importance continued efforts to reduce domestic abuse.
• Between April 2017 and April 2019, there were 5 domestic abuse homicide cases recorded in the Barnet and 37 in London as a whole. During this period, Barnet had a disproportionately high number of homicides related to domestic abuse when compared the rest of London. It may be helpful to have a deeper understanding of the reasons underlying the relatively high number of domestic abuse related homicides in the borough, over this period.
• Since 2013/14, the recorded (QoF) prevalence of psychosis in Barnet has been consistently significantly higher than England and significantly lower than London. Shedding light on the underlying reasons for this pattern in the recorded prevalence of psychosis, may be useful for future service provision.
• Based on figures from the Children’s Society, 4.5% of children and young people identify themselves as having a caring responsibility, which equates to around 4,200 young carers (aged under 18) in Barnet. Improved identification of young carers within the borough would have a range of benefits for both the young people providing the care and those receiving it.

7.3 Demography

Between 2019 and 2025, the children and young people (CYP) population (0-19) in Barnet is projected to increase by 2% from roughly 100,200 to 102,000. As can be seen from Figure 7.1, the largest proportion of the CYP population within Barnet in 2018, falls within the 5-9 years old age group (28%) and the smallest within the 15-19 years old age quartile (21%). By 2025, it is projected that the 5-9 yrs old age group will drop to 25% of the CYP population, whilst the 10-14 year old group will increase slightly to 26% of children and young people within the borough.[1]

Figure 7.1: Proportion of children and young people population in Barnet, by age group, 2018

Source: Greater London Authority (GLA, 2018) Borough Preferred Option data.

Table 7.1 shows how the population of children and young people (aged 0-19 years) changes between 2018 and 2025. In 2018, the highest population of children and young people (CYP) is predicted in Golders Green ward (6,900) and this is due to increase by 12% to roughly 7,700 by 2025. In contrast, the CYP population of Colindale is projected to increase by 45% over the same period from about 6,600 to 9,500. In general, the wards with the greatest increase in their 0-19 population between 2018 and 2025 are found in the west of the borough (Colindale, Mill Hill and Golders Green), whilst the wards with the greatest decrease in their children and young people populations are concentrated in the east of Barnet (Garden Suburb, Coppetts and Woodhouse).[2]

Table 7.1: Children and young people (CYP) population in Barnet, counts and percentage change, by ward, 2018-2025

Source: Greater London Authority (GLA) Borough Preferred Option. Figures may not sum due to rounding to nearest 100.

[1] Greater London Authority (GLA, 2018) Borough Preferred Option (GLA BPO) data.

[2] Greater London Authority (GLA, 2018). Borough Preferred Option (GLA BPO) data.

7.4 Early years

7.4.1 Breastfeeding

Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants in the early stages of life. The protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding are important public health issues. Breastfeeding promotes health, prevents disease, saves lives and contributes to reducing a broad range of inequalities. There are benefits for baby, mother, the wider family, the environment, and estimated cost savings for health services.

Breastfeeding initiation

Data relating to breastfeeding status after birth is now captured and reported by NHS Digital via the Maternity Services Data Set (MSDS). The mother is defined as having initiated breastfeeding if, within the first 48 hours of birth, either she puts the baby to the breast, or the baby is given any of the mother’s breast milk. (NHS Data Flows for Commissioning, NHS England, 2019). In 2016/17, within Barnet Borough, 90.9% of mothers breastfed their baby within 48 hours of delivery. This is a 3.2 percentage point increase from 2015/16 and 5.8% percentage point increase from 2014/15. 

Figure 7.2 Percentage of mothers who breastfed their babies within 48 hours of delivery 2010-2017 Barnet Trendline

In 2016/17 Barnet Breastfeeding Initiation was 16.4 % higher in comparison to England.

Figure 7.3 Breastfeeding trends for Barnet vs London vs England 2010-2017

Breastfeeding continuation at 6-8 weeks

The 6-8-week breastfeeding data is published by NHS Digital through the Children and Young People’s Health Services (CYPHS) Dataset. Totally breastfed is defined as infants who are exclusively receiving breast milk (this may be expressed breast milk) at 6 weeks of age - that is, they are NOT receiving formula milk, any other liquids or food. Partially breastfed is defined as infants who are currently receiving breast milk (this may be expressed breast milk) at 6 weeks of age and who are also receiving formula milk or any other liquids or food (NHS Data Flows for Commissioning, NHS England, 2019). This is measured at the statutory 6-8 week visit by the Health Visiting team.

Breastfeeding rates in Barnet are above the UK average at both initiation and at 6-8 weeks for 2020/21 although prior to this data at 6–8 weeks was not robust. In 2019/20 24% of Infants in Barnet were totally or partially breastfed at the 6-8-week health check assessment. However, 69 % of infants have not had their feeding status recorded. In 2018/19 5.2% of infants in Barnet who were due a 6-8-week health check were totally or partially breastfed. This was due to non-recording of the data. In 2019/20 after a transformation of the health visiting service the breastfeeding data robustness improved to 24% of infants due a 6-8-week health check who are totally or partially breastfed.

Figure 7.4 2019/20 Barnet (un-validated) percentage of breastfed infants vs infants with recorded feeding status at 6-8 weeks review

According to 2020/21 (until end of March) provisional data for Barnet the figure for breastfed infants at the 6-8 weeks health check assessment has grown to 79%.

Provisional 2020/21 (until end of March) Barnet breastfed infants vs infants with recorded feeding status at 6-8 Weeks review

Figure 7.5 2020/21 Provisional Barnet data for percentage of breastfed infants of infants with recorded feeding status

7.4.2 Excess weight in Reception Year children (aged 4-5 years)

Obesity in children has been a major public health concern in the UK in recent years, as it carries serious health implications for many conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes and asthma as well as psychological problems linked to low self-esteem.[1]

In 2017/18, a fifth of Reception year children (aged 4-5 years) in Barnet (20.0%) were overweight (i.e. were either overweight or obese according to Body Mass Index (BMI)), which is significantly lower than both London (21.8%) and England (22.4%).[2] Similarly, the proportion of Reception year children in Barnet who were obese in 2017/18 was 8.4% (see Figure 7.2), which was also significantly lower than both London (10.1%) and England (9.5%).[3]

Figure 7.6: Prevalence of obesity in Reception Year children in London local authorities, London and England, 2017/18

Source: Public Health England (2019). Child and Maternal Health profile.

7.4.3 School readiness based on level of development in early years

Evidence suggests that children from more deprived areas have a greater risk of poor development and that these changes emerge early in life, potentially affecting their school readiness. However, assessing the development of children at the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides a key insight into their early development across a range of development areas. Against this background, “good development” is defined by a child achieving; “…at least the expected level in the early learning goals in the prime areas of learning (personal, social and emotional development; physical development; and communication and language) and the early learning goals in the specific areas of mathematics and literacy.”[4]

Almost three-quarters of Barnet children (74%) achieved a good level of development by the end of the Reception Year in 2017/18, which was similar to the overall average for London (73.8%), but significantly higher than the England average (71.5%).[5] From this perspective, Barnet, which is a relatively affluent borough, still has some work to do in the area of early years development, if it is to improve its current ranking of 15th out of 32 London boroughs on this measure (see Figure 7.3).

Figure 7.7: School readiness based on the percentage of children achieving a good level of development at the end of Reception Year, for London local authorities, London and England, 2017/18

Source: Public Health England (2019). Public Health Profiles.

7.4.4 Vaccination coverage

MMR is a vaccine which provides protection against measles, mumps and rubella, all of which are highly infectious conditions linked to serious complications. By age 2 years, 83.8% of children in Barnet during 2017/18 had received one dose of MMR vaccine which was significantly worse than both London (85.1%) and England (91.2%).[6] At age 5 years, one dose of MMR had been received by 90.8% of Barnet children, which was similar to the London average (91.4%), but significantly lower than the England figure (94.9%).[7] In 2017/18, just over three quarters of Barnet 5 year olds (76.0%) had received two doses of MMR, which was significantly lower than both London (77.8%) and England (87.2%). This is of concern, as vaccine coverage is a strong indicator of the amount of protection against such communicable diseases and is linked to the level of these diseases within the population.[8]

The Hib/MenC vaccine helps protect against Hib disease and meningococcal disease caused by type C bacteria, both of which can cause septicaemia and meningitis in young children.[9] As with the MMR vaccination coverage, the proportion of five-year olds who have received the Hib / MenC vaccination booster by their 5th birthday is 85.0% (see Figure 7.4), which is significantly lower than both London (88.1%) and England (92.4%).[10]

Figure 7.8:  Population vaccination coverage - Hib / Men C booster (5 years old) for London boroughs, London and England, 2017/18

Source: Public Health England (2019). Public Health Outcomes Framework.

[1] Public Health England (PHE, 2019). Child and Maternal Health Profile. School age children: Primary.  Obese children (4-5 years): Indicator Definitions and Supporting Information. Available at https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/child-health-profiles/data#page/6/gid/1938133258/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/90319/age/200/sex/4

[2] Public Health England (PHE, 2019). Child and Maternal Health Profile. School age children: Primary.  Reception: Prevalence of overweight (including obesity), 2017/18. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/child-health-profiles/data#page/3/gid/1938133258/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/20601/age/200/sex/4

[3] Public Health England (PHE, 2019). Child and Maternal Health Profile. School age children: Primary.  Reception: Obese children (4-5 years), 2017/18. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/child-health-profiles/data#page/3/gid/1938133258/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/90319/age/200/sex/4

[4] Public Health England (PHE, 2019). Public Health Profiles. School Readiness: the percentage of children achieving a good level of development at the end of reception, 2017/18. Indicator Definitions and Supporting Information. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/search/school%20readiness#page/6/gid/1/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/90631/age/34/sex/4

[5] Public Health England (PHE, 2019). Public Health Profiles. School Readiness: the percentage of children achieving a good level of development at the end of reception, 2017/18. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/search/school%20readiness#page/3/gid/1/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/90631/age/34/sex/4

[6] Public Health England (2019). Public Health Outcomes Framework. 3.03viii - Population vaccination coverage - MMR for one dose (2 years old), 2017/18. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/public-health-outcomes-framework/data#page/3/gid/1000043/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/30309/age/31/sex/4

[7] Public Health England (2019). Public Health Outcomes Framework. 3.03ix - Population vaccination coverage - MMR for one dose (5 years old), 2017/18. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/public-health-outcomes-framework/data#page/3/gid/1000043/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/30310/age/34/sex/4

[8] Public Health England (2019). Public Health Outcomes Framework. 3.03x - Population vaccination coverage - MMR for two doses (5 years old), 2017/18. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/public-health-outcomes-framework/data#page/3/gid/1000043/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/30311/age/34/sex/4

[9] Oxford Vaccine Group (2018). Hib/MenC vaccine. Key vaccine facts. Available at: http://vk.ovg.ox.ac.uk/hibmenc-booster

[10] Public Health England (2019). Public Health Outcomes Framework. Public Health Outcomes Framework. 3.03vi - Population vaccination coverage - Hib / Men C booster (5 years old), 2017/18. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/public-health-outcomes-framework/data#page/3/gid/1000043/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/90246/age/34/sex/4

7.5 Children's centres

The central aim of children’s centres is to improve life outcomes for early years children (aged under five years) and their families, by providing a range of services including;

• Adult learning, employment training and welfare support
• Childcare
• Community services
• Early education and school readiness
• Family support
• Health.

In Barnet, these centres are open during working hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) for 48 weeks a year, however those children’s centres that offer childcare may have longer opening hours.[1] Services are provided either by or through the children’s centres and cater for children and families from deprived and/or unemployed backgrounds as well as those experiencing the “trigger trio” of domestic violence, mental health issues and/or substance misuse.

7.5.1 Gaps in Current / Future Provision or Unmet Need

In Barnet, there are currently a range of services targeted on children’s health and development, which if integrated appropriately could transform what is available to service users in this area.  

Key issues may include;

• The development of integrated services for parents focussing on their needs relating to mental health, drug and alcohol problems, literacy and basic skills for work and offered through children’s centres. Improved partnerships between health and related organisations as well as Jobcentre Plus would facilitate the delivery of such services.
• Greater engagement with vulnerable families to support family learning which encourages parents and children to learn together (e.g. numeracy and literacy).
• Promoting the uptake of adult education courses (including those that lead to vocational qualifications) by improving access to low cost child care.[2]

[1] London Borough of Barnet (LBB, 2019). Children’s Centres. Available at: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/directories/childrens-centres

[2] London Borough of Barnet (LBB, 2018). Public Health Department.

7.6 Education and Skills

In January 2018, there were 65,789 pupils in Barnet spread across 163 schools. Nearly half of these pupils (48.3%) attended the primary schools in the borough (n = 31,755), with 38.9% attending local secondary schools (n=25,587). Around 11.2% of pupils in Barnet (n=7,345) attended independent schools, whilst the numbers attending special schools (n=531; 0.8%) and nurseries (n=486; 0.7%) were relatively small. Only 0.1% of pupils in the borough attended Pupil Referral Units (n=85), for pupils who cannot attend mainstream schools due to exclusion, illness and other reasons (see Figure 7.5).[1]

Figure 7.9 Proportion of pupils by type of school, January 2018

Source: LAIT

During January 2018, there were 90 primary schools in Barnet, 37 independent, 25 secondary, 5 special, 4 nurseries and 2 Pupil Referral Units (see Figure 7.6). So primary schools make up over half (55.2%) of those schools which are the responsibility of the local authority.[2]

Figure 7.10 Proportion of different types of schools in Barnet, January 2018

Source: LAIT

7.6.1 Strategic Approach

London Borough of Barnet focusses on three strategic areas to improve the educational attainment of all children, namely;

• Access – through partnership working with schools to identify the best locations for school expansions / bulge classes (where additional classes are added to cope with rising enrolment).
• Inclusion – closer cooperation between schools, parents and children focusing on improving the quality of both education and health, whilst building resilience in children with special educational needs and those in alternative provisions (due to exclusion, illness etc.).
• Achievement – maintaining a Learning Network Inspector to monitor and challenge the service, focussing on good governance and leadership, whilst supporting schools and governing bodies in the recruitment of new teacher and principals.[3]

7.6.2 Primary Education

In 2018, nearly eight out of ten Key Stage 1 (KS1) pupils in Barnet (78.9%) had reached the expected standard in reading, compared to 78.3% in London and 75.4% for England. Between 2016 and 2018, the proportion of Barnet children reaching the expected standard in reading at KS1 was similar to London and significantly better than England.[4]

Less than three-quarters of Barnet children (73.4%) had reached the expected standard in writing at KS1 in 2018, which was similar to the London average (73.5%), but significantly better than England (69.9%). In 2016, the proportion of Barnet children attaining the expected standard in writing at KS1 (68.1%) was significantly lower than London (70.2%), but was similar for both 2017 and 2018.[5]

For maths, 79.3% of KS1 children in Barnet had reached the expected standard in 2018, which was similar to the London average (79.1%), but significantly higher than the national average (76.1%). During 2016 and 2017, the proportion of Barnet children achieving the expected standard in maths was significantly lower than the London average, but became similar during 2018.[6]

In science, the percentage of KS1 children in Barnet gaining the expected standard in science was 84.2%, similar to the London average (84.0%) and significantly higher than the England average (82.8%). In 2016, the proportion of children in Barnet achieving the expected standard in science was similar to the national average. However, for both 2017 and 2018, this proportion has been significantly higher in Barnet compared to the England average.[7]

Overall, a significantly higher proportion of Barnet children at KS1 achieved the expected standard in reading, writing, maths and science in both 2017 and 2018, compared to the national (England) average.[8]

In 2014, a new curriculum was introduced for Key Stages 1 and 2 and new assessments for this new more challenging national curriculum were made in 2016. Expected standards were raised, so figures prior to 2016 are not comparable with those from 2016 onwards. As can be seen from Table 7.2, in 2018, KS2 pupils in Barnet (aged 7-11 years) performed well, when compared with both Outer London and England, on the expected standard for reading, maths, writing, science. Based on figures from the Department of Education’s Local authority interactive tool (LAIT), KS2 pupils in Barnet are placed 6th in reading, 8th in maths and 12th in science in national rankings of expected standards.[9]

Figure 7.11 Percentages of Key Stage 2 achieving expected standard, 2018

Source: LAIT

You can access information on overall performance at the end of Key Stage 2 (KS2) for all primary schools in Barnet on the  GOV.UK website.

7.6.3 Secondary Education

“Attainment 8” measures average attainment in a set of eight qualifications for 15-16 year olds. In 2018, the average attainment 8 score per pupil in Barnet was 56.0, compared to 49.9 for Outer London and 44.5 in England overall. Barnet was ranked 5th nationally on this measure of KS4 attainment, with an increasing trend over recent years.[10] 

You can access performance information (including average attainment 8) on all secondary schools in Barnet on the  GOV.UK website.

7.6.4 Post 16 Education, Employment and Training

At the end of December 2017, 96.04% of Barnet 16&17 year olds were in education or training, compared with 94.77% for its statistical neighbours and 92.01% for England. In 2017, Barnet was ranked 10th nationally on this indicator and had been consistently higher than both its statistical neighbours and England for several years.[11]

You can access information on A-level performance for Barnet schools and colleges, as well as other important indicators of post-16 achievement (such as student destination and vocational performance) on the  GOV.UK website.

[1] Department for Education (2019). Transparency data: Local authority interactive tool (LAIT). Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-authority-interactive-tool-lait

[2] Department for Education (2019). Transparency data: Local authority interactive tool (LAIT). Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-authority-interactive-tool-lait

[3] London Borough of Barnet (LBB, 2017). London Borough of Barnet 0-19 Needs Assessment. Public Health Department.

[4] Public Health England (2019). Child and Maternal Health Profile. Key stage 1 pupils meeting the expected standard in reading, 2018. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/child-health-profiles/data#page/3/gid/1938133224/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/92673/age/293/sex/4

[5] Public Health England (2019). Child and Maternal Health Profile. Key stage 1 pupils meeting the expected standard in writing, 2018. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/child-health-profiles/data#page/3/gid/1938133224/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/92674/age/293/sex/4

[6] Public Health England (2019). Child and Maternal Health Profile. Key stage 1 pupils meeting the expected standard in maths, 2018. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/child-health-profiles/data#page/3/gid/1938133224/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/92675/age/293/sex/4

[7] Public Health England (2019). Child and Maternal Health Profile. Key stage 1 pupils meeting the expected standard in science, 2018. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/child-health-profiles/data#page/3/gid/1938133224/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/92676/age/293/sex/4

[8] Public Health England (2019). Child and Maternal Health Profile. Domain: School Age Children. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/child-health-profiles/data#page/0/gid/1938133224/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/92676/age/293/sex/4  

[9] Department for Education (2019). Transparency data: Local authority interactive tool (LAIT). Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-authority-interactive-tool-lait

[10] Department for Education (2019). Transparency data: Local authority interactive tool (LAIT). Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-authority-interactive-tool-lait

[11] Department for Education (2019). Transparency data: Local authority interactive tool (LAIT). Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-authority-interactive-tool-lait 

7.7 Child poverty

Barnet has an Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD, 2015) score of 17.8, making it one of the least deprived boroughs in London. However, even in this relatively prosperous borough, there are pockets of deprivation, many of which are concentrated in the west and south.[1]

Child poverty can be assessed in many ways. On an annual basis, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) produces statistics on the percentage of children in low income families (i.e. children aged under 16 years old living in families receiving out of work benefits or tax credits, where their reported income is less than 60% median income). On this measure of child poverty, 14.0% of children in Barnet under the age of 16 were living in low income families in 2016, which was significantly lower than both London (18.8%) and England (17.0%). Within the local authorities in London, Barnet is ranked 25th on child poverty, using this measure (see Figure 7.7).[2]

Figure 7.12: Percentage on children living in low income families, in London local authorities, London and England, under 16s, 2016

Source: Public Health England (PHE, 2019). Child and Maternal Health Profile based on HMRC Child Poverty Statistics. Key: Red = Significantly higher than the London average. Green = Significantly lower than the London average.

Between 2006 and 2009, the percentage of Barnet children aged under 16 living in low income families was significantly higher than the England average. In 2010, this proportion became similar to the national average and between 2011 and 2016 it was consistently significantly lower than the England average. In 2006, a quarter of Barnet children (24.9%) aged under 16 lived in low income families, but since then this percentage has shown an overall downward trend. By 2016, the proportion of Barnet children living in poverty had fallen to 14.0%, which is significantly lower than the 2006 figure. Between 2006 and 2016, the percentage of children in poverty in Barnet was consistently significantly lower than the London average and the number of children in poverty had fallen from 15,985 to 10,000.[3]

On an annual basis, the Centre for Research in Social Policy produces figures of child poverty for the End Child Poverty Coalition for each ward, local authority and parliamentary constituency in the UK. These estimated figures are based on HMRC data on children living in low income families and are adjusted based on the Labour Force Survey to reflect in-work poverty more accurately.[4]

Figure 7.8 shows the percentage of children within Barnet wards living in poverty during 2017/18, before and after housing costs have been taken into consideration. The green bars in the chart show the percentage of children living in poverty before housing costs have been taken into consideration and the red bars, after housing costs have been included. For Barnet, during 2017/18, the highest proportion of children living in poverty (after housing costs are considered) was found in Colindale (50%) and the lowest in High Barnet (23%).[5]

Figure 7.13 Percentage of children living in poverty for wards in Barnet, before and after housing costs, 2017/18 

Source: End Child Poverty Coalition (2019) (based on adjusted data from HMRC).

The uptake of free school meals has also been used as a measure of childhood poverty. In 2018, 10.8% of secondary school children, who were eligible claimed free school meals, which was significantly lower than both London (15.9%) and England (12.4%).[6] A similar picture emerged for primary school pupils in Barnet, where 11.3% of eligible children took free school meals in 2018, significantly lower than both London (14.9%) and England (13.7%).[7]

However, as with the HMRC child poverty statistics, the usefulness of free school meals as a measure of childhood poverty has been questioned due to an underestimation of the working poor. Poor working families in receipt of working tax credits are excluded from claiming the free meals, thereby underestimating the proportion of children living in poverty.[8]

[1] Public Health England (PHE, 2019). Public Health Profiles. Deprivation score (IMD 2015). Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/search/poverty#page/3/gid/1/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/91872/age/1/sex/4

[2] Public Health England (PHE, 2019). Child and Maternal Health Profile. Child Health Profiles. Children in low income families (under 16s), 2016. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/child-health-profiles/data#page/3/gid/1938133228/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/10101/age/169/sex/4

[3] Public Health England (PHE, 2019). Child and Maternal Health Profile. Child Health Profiles. Children in low income families (under 16s), 2016. Trend. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/child-health-profiles/data#page/4/gid/1938133228/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/10101/age/169/sex/4

[4] End Child Poverty Coalition (2019). Methodology note: Local indicators of child poverty – developing a new technique for estimation. Available at: http://www.endchildpoverty.org.uk/images/ecp/paper_explaining_calculations_and_method_to_ECP.pdf

[5] End Child Poverty Coalition (2019). Local data.

[6] Public Health England (2019). Public Health Profiles. Free school meals: % uptake among all pupils (Secondary school age), 2018. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/search/free%20school%20meals#page/3/gid/1/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/90922/age/216/sex/4 

[7] Public Health England (2019). Public Health Profiles. Free school meals: % uptake among all pupils (Primary school age), 2018. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/search/free%20school%20meals#page/3/gid/1/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/90922/age/215/sex/4

[8] British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC, 2017). BBC News: “Free school meals is 'unreliable poverty measure.” 4 April 2017. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-39479028

7.8 Prevention and Early Intervention

To develop and deliver Early Help Services which effectively tackle problems experienced by children and young people (CYP) and their families and produce improved outcomes, Barnet Council has four Strategic Priorities:

• Multi-Agency Leadership – all local leaders have a responsibility to ensure that children in Barnet thrive, through a shared understanding of the needs of the child population and a coordinated approach when delivering services which optimise outcomes.
• Predict and Prevent – where the aim is efficient working across agencies to ensure the early identification of CYP at greatest risk of adverse outcomes, leading to effective mobilisation of preventive services.
• Identify and Intervene – in which the priority is to ensure that CYP are effectively engaged with the services that promote their wellbeing and that Weekly Early Help Multi-Agency Panels generate rapid and co-ordinated responses to requests for help.
• Building Sustainability and Resilience – which requires a commitment on the part of all agencies involved to deliver services that are both accessible and responsive to needs, whilst building on existing strengths to promote sustainability going forward.[1]

For additional information on Barnet’s Early Help Strategy, follow this link: Early Help Strategy 2019-2022

Early Help services for children in Barnet adopt a “resilience approach” which focusses on the child’s need to:

• be secure and stable,
• have positive friendships and safe and trusted relationships,
• develop their individual interests and talents,
• aspire and achieve in education and
• nurture a belief in themselves and their ability to achieve their goals in life.[2]

These needs are considered in the context of the child’s whole family situation, with a skilled Lead Professional building a multi-disciplinary team around the family to deliver the Early Help. A multi-agency panel meets weekly to co-ordinate the delivery of this help. Examples of the type of needs addressed through Early Help are available here

Barnet’s Early Help Services have recently been restructured and reconfigured to create three hubs based on localities within the borough (see Figure 7.9), which co-locate professionals working in family support, early years and youth work with partner agencies delivering targeted and preventative services to CYP and their families. Contact details and addresses for these Early Health Hubs, as well as the areas covered by them, are available here

For additional practical advice on Early Help in Barnet follow this link: Getting help and support

Figure 7.14: The location of the Early Health Hubs (East, West & South) in Barnet, 2019

Source: London Borough of Barnet (2019). Early Help Strategy 2019 – 2022. Appendix 1 - Location of Early Help Hubs.

[1] London borough of Barnet (2019). Early Help Strategy 2019 – 2022. Available at: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2019-05/19-04-05%20-%20Early%20Help%20Strategy%20-%20March%202019%20update%20-%20FINAL.PDF

[2] London borough of Barnet (2019). Early Help Strategy 2019 – 2022. Available at: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2019-05/19-04-05%20-%20Early%20Help%20Strategy%20-%20March%202019%20update%20-%20FINAL.PDF

7.9 Missing children

Although there is no single definition of “missing,” according to the National Police Chiefs' Council, it can be defined as: “Anyone whose whereabouts cannot be established and where the circumstances are out of character or the context suggests the person may be subject of crime or at risk of harm to themselves or another.”[1]

For details on agencies which provide advice and support for families of missing people, please refer to the factsheets available  here

Based on statistics from the National Crime Agency, in the UK:

• someone is reported missing every 90 seconds;
• around 180,000 people are reported missing annually, of which over 80,000 are children;
• there are 340,000 missing incidents each year, with over 210,000 missing incidents involving children;
• looked after children (LAC) are more likely to be reported missing
  • 1 in 10 LAC go missing each year
  • 1 in 200 children overall and
  • 1 in 500 adults go missing.

Overall, children are more likely to be reported missing than adults, however as many as 7 in 10 children are not reported to police when they go missing. The number of missing incidents is higher than the number of individuals who go missing, since some people can go missing more than once per year. For example, Looked After Children (LAC) who are reported missing, will be reported an average of 6 times.[2]

There are many reasons why a child may go missing, however amongst the most common reasons are the following:

• Over 50% of missing children reported conflict, abuse or neglect.
• Around 20% felt forced to leave.
• Over 10% have mental health issues and
• About 70% of sexually exploited young people have been reported missing.

Many of the issues which lead to children going missing, including abuse and child sexual exploitation, are dealt with by the Barnet MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub), which acts as a single “front door” for children requiring additional protection and support.[3] Contact details and guidance on the services available is provided through this link: MASH

Additional advice and resources for children who go missing, their families and professionals who work with vulnerable and missing children, can be found  here

Contact details for local missing people services are available here

[1] Missing People (2018). Latest UK statistics based on National Crime Agency data on missing (published by “Missing People” on Friday, 11 May 2018).

[2] Missing People (2018). Latest UK statistics based on National Crime Agency data on missing (published by “Missing People” on Friday, 11 May 2018).

[3] London Borough of Barnet (2019). Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). Available at: https://wwc.barnet.gov.uk/wwc/working-children-barnet/practitioner-guidance/multi-agency-safeguarding-hub-mash-0  

7.10  Child and Adolescent Mental Health - Overview

According to the World Health Organisation, around half of all mental disorders start by the age of 14 and three-quarters by the time people reach their mid-20s. Globally, between 10 -20% of children and adolescents experience mental disorder and in all regions, neuropsychiatric conditions (i.e. mental disorders linked to diseases of the nervous system) are the leading cause of disability in young people. If left untreated in children and young people (CYP), these conditions can severely affect both development and educational attainment of children and their potential to lead productive and fulfilling lives.[1]

In this context, adolescence (between the ages of 10-19) represents a critical period in the development of firm foundations for later health and wellbeing. It is also a period of increased vulnerability to the onset of mental illness, where supportive environments in schools, communities and families can help maintain mental health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, the burden of disease is significant in this age group, with depression the 9th leading cause of disability and illness in adolescents and suicide the 3rd leading cause of death in 15-19 year olds worldwide.[2]

There are many risk factors associated with the emergence of mental illness in adolescents, including:

• poverty
• violence
• chronic illness
• substance misuse
• forced migration
• minority / discriminated group status
• bullying
• harsh parenting
• early and/or forced marriages
• sexual violence,
• early pregnancy.[3]

7.10.1 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

Mental health problems (such as depression, conduct disorders, eating disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and self-harm) affect about 10% of children and young people (CYP) in the UK.[4]

In Barnet, the estimated prevalence of mental disorders in CYP aged 5-16 is 8.3% (based on 2015 figures), which is the 6th lowest of all the London local authorities and lower than both London overall (9.3%) and England (9.2%).[5]

For emotional disorders (e.g. depression and anxiety disorders), Barnet is ranked 5th lowest of the London local authorities, with an estimated prevalence of 3.2% for CYP aged 5-16, compared to 3.6% in both London and England.[6]

Conduct disorders involve aggression, defiance and anti-social behaviour and are linked to lower educational attainment, increased likelihood of drug dependence and imprisonment, as well as lower life expectancy. The prevalence of conduct disorders is also considered a useful measure when planning psychotherapy services.[7]  For conduct disorders, Barnet has an estimated prevalence of 5.0%, compared to 5.7% for London and 5.6% for London and giving it a ranking of 6th lowest amongst the London local authorities.[8]

Similarly, on estimated prevalence of hyperkinetic disorders for 5-16 year olds, Barnet is also ranked 6th lowest of the London local authorities, with a prevalence of 1.4%, which was similar to both London (1.5%) and England (1.5%).[9]

However, in the UK, around 70% of CYP who experience mental illness, do not have sufficient interventions at an appropriately early age. With more CYP experiencing mental health problems than 30 years ago, there is a continuing and serious need to address these issues within this population. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), which bring together multi-disciplinary teams of professionals working in CYP mental health, therefore perform a vital role in providing help in this area.[10]

The local need for effective CAMHS services is further underlined by the percentage of school age pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs in Barnet (see Figure 7.10). For 2018, this percentage is 2.61% for Barnet, which is significantly higher than both London (2.41%) and England (2.39%). The percentage of primary school and secondary school pupils in the borough with social, emotional and mental health needs are also significantly higher than the national average, in each case.[11]

Figure 7.15: Percentage of school pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs (school age) for Barnet, London local authorities, London and England, 2018

Source: Public Health England (2019). Children and Young People's Mental Health and Wellbeing Profile.

Despite the relative low estimated prevalence for various mental disorders in the borough, hospital admissions due to self-harm for 10-24 year olds in Barnet have been significantly higher than London, since 2015/16.[12] In 2017/18, the rate of hospital admissions as a result of self-harm for 10-24 year olds in Barnet was the 285.3 per 100,000, which as the 5th highest of the London boroughs and significantly higher than the London average (209.1 per 100,000). It was however significantly lower than the national (England) average of 421.2 per 100,000 population aged 10-24 years.[13]

Against this background, Barnet Council has implemented a CAMHS Transformation Programme aimed at promoting resilience in children, families and communities and with the additional goal of making Barnet the “Most Family Friendly Borough” in London, by 2022. Based on whole system, integrated working, the CAMHS Transformation Board was strengthened in 2018, to embrace the whole health and wellbeing system and promote improvements to mental health and wellbeing across the life course. As part of this transformation, the borough is committed to implementing a THRIVE model of Specialist NHS CAMHS provision[14] across the entire patient pathway and to constantly evolve their CAMHS Transformation Plan, based on feedback from professionals, stakeholders and service users.[15]

Details of the CAMHS Transformation Programme in Barnet are available here

See here for details on the THRIVE framework for system change in CAMHS provision.

7.10.2 Local Initiatives

Faced with increasing referrals to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Barnet, the borough has also introduced a number of initiatives to help children cope with the challenges of life from an early age. For example, the Barnet Resilient Schools Programme provides a framework for schools to promote resilience in pupils, parents, staff and caregivers (i.e. the ability to “bounce back” effectively and achieve positive results, when experiencing difficulties in life).[16]

More information on the Barnet Resilient Schools Programme can be found here

Similarly, Barnet Council is promoting the development of a network of Youth Mental Health First Aiders within local schools, trained to recognise the early signs and symptoms of mental illness in young people and provide initial help and guidance.[17]

Details for the Youth Mental Health First Aider course can be found here

Further information on the types of support available through mental health services for children in Barnet (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in schools and Children’s Mental health and Wellbeing Team (CWP)) as well as those helping adolescents (e.g. the Barnet Integrated Clinical Service (BICS)) can be found here

[1] World Health Organization (WHO, 2019). Mental health: Child and adolescent mental health. Available at: https://www.who.int/mental_health/maternal-child/child_adolescent/en/

[2] World Health Organization (WHO, 2019). Mental health: Adolescent mental health. Available at: https://www.who.int/mental_health/maternal-child/adolescent/en/

[3] World Health Organization (WHO, 2019). Mental health: Adolescent mental health. Available at: https://www.who.int/mental_health/maternal-child/adolescent/en/

[4] Mental Health Foundation (2019). Children and young people. Available at: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/c/children-and-young-people

[5] Public Health England (2019). Children and Young People's Mental Health and Wellbeing. Estimated prevalence of mental health disorders in children and young people: % population aged 5-16, 2015. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile-group/mental-health/profile/cypmh/data#page/3/gid/1938133090/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/91141/age/246/sex/4 

[6] Public Health England (2019). Children and Young People's Mental Health and Wellbeing. Estimated prevalence of emotional disorders: % population aged 5-16, 2015. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile-group/mental-health/profile/cypmh/data#page/3/gid/1938133090/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/91137/age/246/sex/4

[7] Public Health England (2019). Children and Young People's Mental Health and Wellbeing. Indicator Definitions and Supporting Information. Estimated prevalence of conduct disorders: % population aged 5-16. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile-group/mental-health/profile/cypmh/data#page/6/gid/1938133090/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/91138/age/246/sex/4

[8] Public Health England (2019). Children and Young People's Mental Health and Wellbeing. Estimated prevalence of conduct disorders: % population aged 5-16, 2015. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile-group/mental-health/profile/cypmh/data#page/3/gid/1938133090/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/91138/age/246/sex/4

[9] Public Health England (2019). Children and Young People's Mental Health and Wellbeing. Estimated prevalence of hyperkinetic disorders: % population aged 5-16, 2015. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile-group/mental-health/profile/cypmh/data#page/3/gid/1938133090/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/91139/age/246/sex/4

[10] Mental Health Foundation (2019). Children and young people. Available at: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/c/children-and-young-people

[11] Public Health England (2019). Children and Young People's Mental Health and Wellbeing. School pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs: % of school pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs (School age), 2018. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile-group/mental-health/profile/cypmh/data#page/3/gid/1938133090/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/91871/age/217/sex/4

[12] Public Health England (2019). Children and Young People's Mental Health and Wellbeing. Hospital admissions as a result of self-harm: DSR per 100,000 population aged 10-24, trend. Directly standardised rate - per 100,000. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile-group/mental-health/profile/cypmh/data#page/4/gid/1938133090/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/90813/age/305/sex/4 

[13] Public Health England (2019). Children and Young People's Mental Health and Wellbeing. Hospital admissions as a result of self-harm: DSR per 100,000 population aged 10-24, 2017/18. Directly standardised rate - per 100,000. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile-group/mental-health/profile/cypmh/data#page/3/gid/1938133090/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/90813/age/305/sex/4

[14] Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families. THRIVE Framework.

[15] London Borough of Barnet (LBB, 2019). CAHMS Transformation Plan 2018/19. Available at: http://admin.barnet.gov.uk/sites/default/files/camhs_local_transformation_plan_2018-19.pdf

[16] London Borough of Barnet (LBB, 2019). Barnet Resilient Schools Programme. Available at: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/young-peoples-health/barnet-resilient-schools-programme

[17] London Borough of Barnet (LBB, 2019). Youth mental health first aid. Available at: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/young-peoples-health/youth-mental-health-first-aid

7.11 Domestic Violence and the Trigger Trio (“Toxic Trio”)

Children living in families affected by domestic violence and abuse (DVA) can suffer severe and long lasting physical and psychological effects. Every child in this situation is under stress, but exposure to such unhealthy environments can also lead to long term and serious psychological damage, as well as the immediate risk of physical harm. In high and very high-risk cases of DVA, the Barnet Domestic Violence Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) conducts a risk management meeting, for professionals to share information and put in place a tailored risk management plan, which reduces risk and promotes the safety of both victims and children.[1]

The term “toxic trio” is used to describe the interaction of domestic violence and abuse (DVA), parental substance misuse (of drugs or alcohol) and parental mental illness. An analysis in 2018, by the Children’s Commissioner’s Office estimated that around 103,000 children (0.9% of all children aged 0-17 years in England) lived in households with all three toxic trio issues to a severe extent. However, about 420,000 children in England live in a household where an adult suffers from all toxic trio issues to a moderate / severe extent. These estimates of the prevalence of toxic trio factors in England are probably underestimates, however they do give an indication of the size of the problem at a national level.[2]

To use appropriate language, which does not stigmatise or blame victims, Barnet Council uses the term “trigger trio,” rather than “toxic trio,” to describe the co-morbidity of domestic violence with substance misuse or mental health issues (or both).[3]

Modelling conducted for Greenwich Safeguarding Children Board suggests that in a quarter (25%) of cases where children are referred to social care and / or come to the attention of police, all three factors of the trigger trio are present (see Figure 7.11).[4]

Figure 7.16: Expected prevalence of Toxic / Trigger Trio factors, where children are referred to social care and /or come to the attention of police

Source: Greenwich Safeguarding Children Board (2019). Multi-Agency Guidance for working with children living in families affected by domestic abuse, parental mental ill health and substance misuse.

Similarly, analysis of serious case reviews has shown that in many cases where a child is seriously injured or died, one or more of the “trigger trio” factors (domestic violence, mental illness and substance abuse) has played a significant part. Each of these elements is an indicator of increased risk to children and young people and they are often seen in families were harm to children and women has occurred.[5]

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is a violation of human rights and a form of discrimination that can involve a wide variety of abusive behaviours, including physical, financial / economic or sexual abuse, psychological or emotional violence and sexual exploitation.[6]

For VAWG, London Borough of Barnet has adopted the definition of “violence against women” used by the United Nations Declaration of Elimination of Violence Against Women; “…any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.”[7]

As part of our commitment to prevent all forms of VAWG, including DVA, Barnet Council has a Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2017-2020 which covers:

• domestic violence and abuse (DVA)
• sexual violence, abuse, exploitation, harassment and bullying
• trafficking and forced prostitution
• controlling and coercive behaviour
• forced marriage and “honour” crimes
• female genital mutilation (FGM) and
• stalking.

This VAWG strategy is based on four shared partnership objectives, which Barnet Council will work towards:

1. Preventing VAWG
2. Improving outcomes for victims (including children)
3. Bringing perpetrators to account and
4. Enhancing inter-agency joint working practices.

The strategy encourages members of the local community to report VAWG and enables victims and survivors of DVA to feel supported by making it “everyone’s business” across Barnet Council and the wider community. It aims to reduce the risk of VAWG within the borough by promoting co-ordinated, consistent joint working with strategic partners, community and voluntary groups, whilst clearly setting out priorities and clarifying how the council would like to work with other organisations. The strategy also highlights a zero-tolerance approach to VAWG, which intends to hold perpetrators to account for their behaviours.[8]

Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) is one element of VAWG. Barnet Council have based their definition on Home Office guidance and define DVA as; “any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional.”[9]

Worldwide, it is estimated that 30% of women have been in a relationship where they have experienced physical and / or sexual violence from an intimate partner during their lifetime.[10] However, whilst DVA is common, it is a largely hidden and unreported crime, with women often not disclosing domestic abuse to the police or reporting it in surveys.[11]

According to the Crime Survey of England and Wales (CSEW), during the year ending March 2018, 7.9% of women (1.3 million) and 4.2% of men (695,000) experienced domestic abuse, so overall 6.1% of people aged 16-59 years (almost 2 million people) experienced some domestic abuse in the previous year.[12] At a local level, using these proportions, about 5,100 men and 9,400 women aged 16-59 years in Barnet experienced domestic abuse in the last year, a total of roughly 14,500 people.[13]

The CSEW prevalence figures for domestic abuse during the year ending March 2018 were not significantly different from the previous year, however there was a significant decrease in the proportion of women reporting domestic abuse to the police compared to figures for the year ending March 2015. Victims of domestic abuse were also more likely to report that they believed that the offender was under the influence of alcohol (16.6%) than illicit drugs (10.6%).[14]

Between April 2017 and April 2019, there were 5,708 domestic abuse (hate crime) offences recorded by the Metropolitan Police in Barnet (see Figure 7.12). In the 12 months to April 2019, the number of these offences recorded for the borough was 12.75% higher than the previous 12 months, compared to 11.17% for London overall. During this period, there were 5 domestic abuse homicide cases recorded in the borough and 37 in London as a whole.[15]

Figure 7.17: Recorded crime count for domestic abuse (hate crime) offences in Barnet, April 2017 – April 2019

Source: Metropolitan Police (2019). Hate Crime and Special Crime Dashboard.

According to the Metropolitan Police figures for the year ending December 2018, the rate of drug offences in Barnet was 1.76 per 1,000 residents, which was the 3rd lowest of all the London boroughs. The average drug offence rate (i.e. rate of recorded drug crimes) for the Metropolitan Police force area was 3.97, which was considerably higher than the rate for Barnet over the same period.[16] When the borough is compared to 14 similar areas, it’s drug offence rate was the 2nd lowest.[17] So, Barnet is relatively low in terms of drug offence rate, compared to other boroughs of London as well as similar areas.

Concerning the mental health strand of the trigger trio, the Quality Outcomes Framework (QoF) Mental Health indicator reports the percentage of patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other psychoses recorded in GP practice registers (see Figure 7.13). According to this measure, in 2017/18, 1.05% of patients in Barnet (of all ages) suffered from psychosis, which was significantly lower than the London average (1.11%), but significantly higher than the prevalence for England (0.94%).[18] Since 2013/14, the recorded (QoF) prevalence of psychosis in Barnet has been consistently significantly higher than England and significantly lower than London.[19]

Figure 7.18: Prevalence of psychosis (QOF) in Barnet, London local authorities, London and England, 2017/18

Source: Public Health England (PHE, 2019). Mental Health and Wellbeing JSNA profile. Mental Health: QOF prevalence (all ages), 2017/18. Red = Significantly higher than London. Amber = Similar to London. Green = Significantly lower than London.

However, as can be seen from Figure 7.14, the picture is different when common mental disorders (i.e. depression and anxiety) are considered. The estimated prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD) in 2017 for Barnet (16.2%) was similar to the national (England) average (16.9%), but significantly lower than the London average (19.3%).[20]

Figure 7.19: Estimated prevalence common mental disorders (depression and anxiety) in Barnet, London local authorities, London and England, persons aged 16+, 2017

Source: Public Health England (PHE, 2019). Mental Health and Wellbeing JSNA profile. Estimated prevalence of common mental disorders: % of population aged 16 & over, 2017. Red = Significantly higher than England. Amber = Similar to England. Green = Significantly lower than England.

Looking at the co-existence of two factors in the trigger trio, 29.3% of patients in Barnet were in contact with substance misuse services for drug misuse and mental health services at the same time, during 2016/17, which was similar to both the London (28.5%) the England (24.3%) figures.[21] In contrast, around a third of individuals in Barnet (33.5%) entering substance misuse services for alcohol, were also in contact with mental health services, which was significantly higher than the England figure (22.7%).[22]

More research needs to be done to understand the relationships between the three elements of the “trigger trio,” looking at how they interact with each other and what can be done in Barnet to minimise the negative effects they exert, singly and in combination, on the lives of both children and adults within the borough.

Links:

Help and advice for Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) including the contact details for the One Stop Shop

Different types of domestic abuse

Advice from Home Office on getting support for domestic abuse  

Organisations that can provide help and advice on domestic abuse

Guidance on domestic violence for health professionals  

[1] Barnet Safeguarding Children Partnership (2019). Domestic Violence and Abuse. Available at: https://thebarnetscp.org.uk/bscp/professionals/domestic-violence

[2] Children’s Commissioner’s Office (2018). Estimating the prevalence of the ‘toxic trio’. Evidence from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, Vulnerability Technical Report 2, July 2018 (p.9). Available at: https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Vulnerability-Technical-Report-2-Estimating-the-prevalence-of-the-toxic-trio.pdf

[3] London Borough of Barnet (2018). Strategic Commissioning Board Deep Dive: Tackling issues with domestic violence, mental health, and substance misuse – ‘TRIGGER TRIO.’ (September 2018).

[4] Greenwich Safeguarding Children Board (2019). Multi-Agency Guidance for working with children living in families affected by domestic abuse, parental mental ill health and substance misuse.

[5] Wirral Safeguarding Children Board (2019). Toxic Trio. Available at: https://www.wirralsafeguarding.co.uk/toxic-trio/

[6] London Borough of Barnet (2017). Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, 2017-2020. Available at: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2019-02/vawg%20strategy%202017-20.pdf

[7] United Nations (1993). Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women. (Article 1).

[8] London Borough of Barnet (2017). Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, 2017-2020. Available at: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2019-02/vawg%20strategy%202017-20.pdf

[9] London Borough of Barnet (2017). Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, 2017-2020. Available at: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2019-02/vawg%20strategy%202017-20.pdf

[10] World Health Organisation (WHO, 2017). Factsheet: Violence against women. Key Facts. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women

[11] London Borough of Barnet (2018). Strategic Commissioning Board Deep Dive: Tackling issues with domestic violence, mental health, and substance misuse – ‘TRIGGER TRIO.’ (September 2018).

[12] Office for National Statistics (ONS, 2018). Domestic abuse: findings from the Crime Survey for England and Wales: year ending March 2018. Prevalence, long-term trends and attitudes towards domestic abuse experienced by women and men aged between 16 and 59 years and 60 to 74 years, based upon annual findings from the Crime Survey for England and Wales. Available at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/domesticabusefindingsfromthecrimesurveyforenglandandwales/yearendingmarch2018

[13] Greater London Authority (GLA, 2018). Borough Preferred Option for Barnet.

[14]Office for National Statistics (ONS, 2018). Domestic abuse: findings from the Crime Survey for England and Wales: year ending March 2018. Prevalence, long-term trends and attitudes towards domestic abuse experienced by women and men aged between 16 and 59 years and 60 to 74 years, based upon annual findings from the Crime Survey for England and Wales. Available at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/domesticabusefindingsfromthecrimesurveyforenglandandwales/yearendingmarch2018

[15] Metropolitan Police (2019). Hate Crime and Special Crime Dashboard. Available at: https://www.met.police.uk/sd/stats-and-data/met/hate-crime-dashboard/

[16] POLICE.UK (2019). Compare your area. Crime in Barnet compared with crime in the Metropolitan Police force area.

[17] POLICE.UK (2019). Compare your area. Crime in Barnet compared with crime in other similar areas.

[18] Public Health England (PHE, 2019). Mental Health and Wellbeing JSNA profile. Mental Health: QOF prevalence (all ages), 2017/18. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile-group/mental-health/profile/mh-jsna/data#page/3/gid/1938132922/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/90581/age/1/sex/4

[19] Public Health England (PHE, 2019). Mental Health and Wellbeing JSNA profile. Mental Health: QOF prevalence (all ages), 2017/18. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile-group/mental-health/profile/mh-jsna/data#page/4/gid/1938132922/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/90581/age/1/sex/4

[20] Public Health England (PHE, 2019). Mental Health and Wellbeing JSNA profile. Estimated prevalence of common mental disorders: % of population aged 16 & over, 2017. Available at:  https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/search/common%20mental#page/3/gid/1/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/93495/age/164/sex/4   

[21] Public Health England (PHE, 2019). Public Health Profiles. Concurrent contact with mental health services and substance misuse services for drug misuse, 2016/17. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/search/concurrent#page/3/gid/1/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/91294/age/168/sex/4

[22] Public Health England (PHE, 2019). Public Health Profiles. Concurrent contact with mental health services and substance misuse services for alcohol misuse, 2016/17. Available at: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/search/concurrent#page/3/gid/1/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000003/iid/91295/age/168/sex/4

7.12 Young carers

According to Barnet Council, a young carer is defined as; “…a young person who gives regular care and emotional support to a parent, brother, or sister, or someone else in the family.” Young carers have the same rights as all other children and young people (CYP) within the borough.[1]

A legal framework is provided by the Care Act 2014[2] and the Children and Families Act 2014,[3] to ensure that inappropriate caring by children and young people is reduced or prevented, whilst the needs of the whole family are met. Under this legislation, CYP with caring responsibilities are eligible for assessment and support and recognised in law in the same way as the people they care for.[4]

Often the assessment of a young carer is a “Early Help Assessment,” conducted by someone known to the young person or their family (e.g. a member of school staff or a practitioner from Barnet Young Carers and Siblings (BYCAS), the local young carers centre). Early Help in Barnet (including that for young carers) is available through three hubs, corresponding to geographical areas (i.e. the “East / Central,” “West” and “South”),[5] which provide help and support to CYP aged up to 19 years or up to 25 years old (where there is a disability or special educational needs).[6]

Based in offices in North Finchley, Barnet Young Carers and Siblings (BYCAS) is the lead provider for the council of support services for young carers. They provide a range of services, including;

• respite clubs
• mentoring
• counselling and
• a school liaison service (which increases awareness through presentations, whilst providing support through one-to-ones and group work).[7]

BYCAS also works in partnership with other organisations involved in providing care to children. Their staff often take on lead professional role in an Early Help Assessment or participate in the “team around the child.”[8]

There are however many reasons why young carers remain hidden to the system, including; stigma, bullying, family loyalty and not knowing where to go for help and support. For this reason, the Children’s Society estimates that there are over 800,000 young carers nationally.[9] This research also suggests that 4.5% of children and young people identify themselves as having a caring responsibility, which equates to around 4,200 young carers (aged under 18) in Barnet.[10]

Links:

Advice and information for young carers

Resources for young carers

Resources for professionals working with young carers

[1] London Borough of Barnet (2019). Young carers. Available at: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/young-people/young-carers

[2] The Stationary Office (TSO, 2014). Care Act 2014. Available at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/23/pdfs/ukpga_20140023_en.pdf

[3] The Stationary Office (TSO, 2014). Children and Families Act 2014. Available at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/6/pdfs/ukpga_20140006_en.pdf

[4]London Borough of Barnet (2019). Young carers. Available at: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/young-people/young-carers

[5] London Borough of Barnet (LBB, 2019). Early help hub locations. Available at: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/children-and-families/early-help-children-young-people-and-families/early-help-hub-locations

[6] London Borough of Barnet (LBB, 2019). Early help for children, young people and families. Available at: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/children-and-families/early-help-children-young-people-and-families

[7] Barnet Carers Centre (2019). About the Centre. Available at: https://barnetcarers.org/about-the-centre/

[8] Barnet Carers Centre (2019). Smile with BYCAS – you’re not alone. Available at: https://barnetcarers.org/young-carers/

[9] The Children’s Society (2019). Young Carers. Available at: https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-we-do/helping-children/young-carers

[10] Greater London Authority (GLA, 2018). Borough Preferred Option for Barnet.