Introduction to the development and use of the London Practice Prompts

This project - a legacy for the future

The potential for this short project is in providing a platform for future mutual London-wide development.
The legacy of the project consists of 3 aspects:


We have aimed to provide an evaluation tool that can be used by all LAs no matter what their stage of development and that will allow London-wide evaluation of the Pledge as required.

We hope to have supported an insight into the current stage of development for each LA and have started the sketching out of how the development might be taken forwards London-wide through bringing individuals together and providing a core to discussions in these Practice Prompts.

What are the Practice Prompts?

The Practice Prompts are based on evidence found following a literature search of publications and research evidence found in journal articles.

The Pledge prompts are for use by a wide range of people - from young people to those who have a responsibility for ensuring their lives are enriched.

The Practice Prompts address themes across the Pledge promises. Rather than specific practice guidance linked directly to individual Pledge promises we see them as acting as:

  • aide memoires when considering developments
  • checklists when evaluating developments
  • reflective exercises for discussion


Given the wide variation of development across the LAs and the resources available for use we have been mindful of the content and tone of the Pledge Prompts. At some time in the future all LAs may come to appoint London-wide where all are implementing the London Pledge in its entirety. However we recognise that day is some way off and have therefore we are not providing targets that should be achieved. Acting with an appreciation of the current situation we are seeking to support a firm foundation for policy and practice now that can lead onwards in future use towards a London wide Pledge. Our intention with the Pledge Promises is to assist all LAs to achieve best practice We have aimed for them to act as touchstones or reminders in the way that a good friend might be able to remind us of important aspects. Rather than a challenge or critical and from outside we have aimed for them to be supportive, constructive observations form colleagues involved in the work of caring for young people.

We do not see these Practice Prompts as complete and we are happy to include new materials that you think necessary.

Accessing the Practice Prompts

As we think that a necessary understanding of these documents is that they remain open to be updated and superceded as new content is found we shall make these available via a website. The website is not yet decided upon but until a decision is made they will remain accessible via the NCERCC/NCBRCC website.

Note relating to all documents

While the principles remain the same in terms of ensuring that Children in Care have the best support and services, government policy direction may change and therefore the practice documents may need to be amended later to reflect that.

Where Young London Matters and Care Matters are referred to in the documents, it is in a historic context.

Your actions in response to these documents

Though we have distilled what we see as the relevant and important aspects of policy and practice into as few pages as we thought possible without losing the quality of the materials we may have omitted aspects that you see as crucial. We are keeping these documents 'live' and we welcome your:

  • Amendments or annotations
  • Good Practice examples will be gratefully received. We see these sections being populated primarily by London examples though if there are examples from across the country than these should be include too
  • Additional documents
  • Affirmation that these are helpful materials. In our own practice we take the view that it is good to read that practice is as good as it can be and that this is a vital part of any Quality Assurance. We hope you will feel able to note where these materials provide comfort as well as challenge.