Research Article

Early Childhood Intervention in the UK: Family, needs, standards and challenges

Volume: 2 Number: 2 June 1, 2010
  • Chris Robertson And Wendy Messenger
  • Chris Robertson
  • Wendy Messenger
TR EN

Early Childhood Intervention in the UK: Family, needs, standards and challenges

Abstract

Early intervention for vulnerable children is acknowledged as a critical factor in ensuring the best outcomes for children and their families. This paper outlines policies and processes in the United Kingdom which facilitate appropriate early intervention, including inter-agency working and communication. It explores how theory is translated into practice through a short case study exemplifying how intervention works in reality. This case study is set in a context of the early 21st century in the UK when the then labour government invested in a policy which set to address the needs of every child through inter- and trans- agency working. This was located in a policy white paper entitled 'Every Child Matters (DfES 2004). However, a recent general election leading to a change of government in May 2010, has created an unpredictable future for existing policies and practices which has been compounded by a worsening economic situation in the UK. Thus, the paper discusses both existing policy and practices but also hypothesizes on what the future might hold in terms of the early identification of vulnerable children and the provision of appropriate services and strategies to meet effectively these needs of both children and their families.

Keywords

References

  1. C4EO (2009). Improving the Wellbeing of Disabled Children through Ealry Years Intervention (age 0-8). www.c4eo.org.uk/themes/disabledchildren/increasingquality/files/c4eo_improving_th e_wellbeing_through_early_years_scoping_study.pdf, retrieved 26.7.2010
  2. Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) (2007). The team around the child (TAC) and the lead professional. A guide for managers. Available on the http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/everychildmatters/resources-and-practice/IG00064/, (retrieved 5.7.2010). website
  3. Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) (2010). The common core of skills and knowledge. http://www.cwdcouncil.org.uk/assets/0000/9297/CWDC_CommonCore7.pdf website (retrieved 1.7.2010). Available on the
  4. Davis, H., Day, C., Bidmead, C. (2002). Working in partnership with parents: the parent advisor model. London: Harcourt Assessment.
  5. Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) (2009). Parental experience of services for disabled children - Qualitative research (Phase 2). Exploring the findings from the national survey. London: DCSF Publications.
  6. Department for Education and Skills (DfES) (2004). Every child matters. Change for children. London: DfES publications.
  7. Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and Department of Health (DOH) (2002). Together from the start. Practical guidance for professionals working with children (birth to third birthday) and their families. London: DfES publications.
  8. Department of Health, Home Office and Department of Education and Employment (1999). Working together to safeguard children. A guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. London: Stationery Office.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

-

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Chris Robertson And Wendy Messenger This is me

Chris Robertson This is me

Wendy Messenger This is me

Publication Date

June 1, 2010

Submission Date

May 6, 2014

Acceptance Date

-

Published in Issue

Year 2010 Volume: 2 Number: 2

APA
Messenger, C. R. A. W., Robertson, C., & Messenger, W. (2010). Early Childhood Intervention in the UK: Family, needs, standards and challenges. International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education, 2(2), 161-171. https://doi.org/10.20489/intjecse.107967
AMA
1.Messenger CRAW, Robertson C, Messenger W. Early Childhood Intervention in the UK: Family, needs, standards and challenges. International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education. 2010;2(2):161-171. doi:10.20489/intjecse.107967
Chicago
Messenger, Chris Robertson And Wendy, Chris Robertson, and Wendy Messenger. 2010. “Early Childhood Intervention in the UK: Family, Needs, Standards and Challenges”. International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education 2 (2): 161-71. https://doi.org/10.20489/intjecse.107967.
EndNote
Messenger CRAW, Robertson C, Messenger W (June 1, 2010) Early Childhood Intervention in the UK: Family, needs, standards and challenges. International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education 2 2 161–171.
IEEE
[1]C. R. A. W. Messenger, C. Robertson, and W. Messenger, “Early Childhood Intervention in the UK: Family, needs, standards and challenges”, International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 161–171, June 2010, doi: 10.20489/intjecse.107967.
ISNAD
Messenger, Chris Robertson And Wendy - Robertson, Chris - Messenger, Wendy. “Early Childhood Intervention in the UK: Family, Needs, Standards and Challenges”. International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education 2/2 (June 1, 2010): 161-171. https://doi.org/10.20489/intjecse.107967.
JAMA
1.Messenger CRAW, Robertson C, Messenger W. Early Childhood Intervention in the UK: Family, needs, standards and challenges. International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education. 2010;2:161–171.
MLA
Messenger, Chris Robertson And Wendy, et al. “Early Childhood Intervention in the UK: Family, Needs, Standards and Challenges”. International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education, vol. 2, no. 2, June 2010, pp. 161-7, doi:10.20489/intjecse.107967.
Vancouver
1.Chris Robertson And Wendy Messenger, Chris Robertson, Wendy Messenger. Early Childhood Intervention in the UK: Family, needs, standards and challenges. International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education. 2010 Jun. 1;2(2):161-7. doi:10.20489/intjecse.107967