Holding the baton
Local services must strive for continuity in staff wherever possible in order to
support children and young people’s emotional development. Where transitions are unavoidable, they must
be handled with care. This message emerged particularly powerfully within the Vulnerable
(looked after) Children theme, wherein the profound impact of a stable positive
relationship on a looked after children and young people’s outcomes is well-documented. The Schools and
Communities theme also illustrates this clearly.
C4EO Research Reviews relevant to this area include:
Early Years
Low staff turn-over
is a characteristic of effective Early Years provision.
Disability
1. Continuity of staff
can help disabled children and young to overcome anxiety about accessing positive
activities.
2. Improved emotional wellbeing is supported by a stable relationship with an adult.
.
Safeguarding
Effective work can require long-term
interventions and long-term relationships with families.
