Supporting child development in early and middle years

For practitioners who support children and their families, a knowledge of developmental milestones can support effective assessments of children’s needs. New Research in Practice resources explore key aspects of development in children aged between 0 and 11 years. 

Every child’s development is influenced by multiple and interacting factors. These include internal, such as genetic factors, and external, such as family influences and wider cultural factors. 

A new briefing aimed at frontline practitioners considers recent evidence on child development and shares insights to support an inclusive and equitable approach. It explores the extensive range of influences that may affect an individual child, and how this may impact direct work, referrals and recording. An accompanying chart draws on different theories to show the ages at which key developmental milestones and stages typically occur. 

Social workers and other professionals who work with families play a key role in identifying when children are not meeting their milestones. In a new blog, Polly Baynes outlines the importance of a good understanding of child development, and the factors that can affect this. 

A good knowledge of child development is essential in promoting children’s wellbeing, keeping children safe and providing the right support to children, parents and families.