Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP)

Every child death represents a tragedy, a life changing event for families and communities. Aiming to prevent deaths where we can and improve care and support for children, their families and communities, every child death is reviewed in detail, to draw out any learning and to apply those lessons for the future.

In Berkshire we run a joint Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP) which looks at the causes of death and the services provided for all the Berkshire children that die. Our panel works across the six local authorities in the county, Bracknell Forest Council, Reading Borough Council, The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, Slough Borough Council, West Berkshire Council and Wokingham Borough Council.  CDOP members come from services that work with children and young people, keeping them safe and well and caring for them and their families when they need it.

For further information about CDOP and the Pan Berkshire CDOP team please contact them via email at: PanBerkshire.CDOP@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

You can read the Pan Berkshire CDOP Annual Report 2024-2025 here

Whenever a child or young person dies it is a tragedy. First and foremost, for the child and the family, but also for those around them including school professionals who may have worked with them. We have produced the following guidance for school professionals in responding to the sudden unexpected death of a child or young person.

CDOP Bereavement Pack
Please refer to Appendix 3 for resources to support children and young people experiencing bereavement and loss.

This page was reviewed in January 2026. If you spot any inaccuracies, please email: BWSCP@reading.gov.uk