Unite to succeed
The right support at the right time
Targeted and universal approaches are both needed; it’s not a case of either/or.
Universal services provide a vital hub, but children’s needs operate on a
continuum and thus so should support services. Fluid pathways between tiers are
essential, and simple referral processes between agencies are key. This is apparent
within the Families, Parents & Carers theme and also in Early Intervention,
where flexible services that can respond to individual need are shown to be most
effective.
The Safeguarding theme highlighted a particular need to ensure that support is delivered
in a timely manner, and that practitioners avoid taking a ‘nil-by-mouth’
approach when embarking on work with a family.
C4EO Research Reviews relevant to this area include:
Disability
Positive activities
for disabled children and young people should comprise open access activities where
all children and young people can attend, as well as those adapted just for disabled
children and young people.
Safeguarding
Frontline staff in agencies providing universal services are central to the identification and provision of effective services to families who are hard to engage.
Schools and communities
Transition support should be available to all children and young people with targeted support to those with greatest needs.
Families, Parent and Carers
It is essential that
services are provided for children and their families at each of the tiers of need.
