are from the ninth phase in the Safeguarding Pressures (SP) series, a unique programme of mixed methods enquiry that shines a light on the pressures facing children’s safeguarding services over the period 2007–08 to 2023–24. The purpose of the series is to highlight the needs of children and families and the efforts of those trying to support them to live good lives. Safeguarding Pressures represents a chance to understand child and family safeguarding activity over time, using a broader set of data than are published through the annual statutory returns. Through this data we start to understand some of the challenges that local authorities face as they support children and families in their areas and the impacts of services, systems and workforce activity. SP9 updates the longitudinal quantitative data collected over the series and brings that together with the reflections of directors of children’s services (DCSs) and their teams gathered in qualitative survey returns and interview discussions. Data return (124 responses, an 81% response rate): Led by Data to Insight, the local authority owned children’s services data support service. All local authorities received an email containing a data collection template inviting them to participate in the research. The data returns were completed by local authorities in Excel documents and collated by the researchers. Survey (86 responses, a 56% response rate): Led by Research in Practice, the membership network for evidence-informed policy and practice. All local authorities received an email invitation from ADCS to participate in an online survey open between late June and early September 2024. The bespoke survey included a mix of scaled and open-text questions. Interviews (34 interviews): Interviews were conducted by Resear