is well resourced, but funding is a serious problem. Unlike the statutory sector, voluntary Playgroups receive their income one month in arrears. Staff have to fundraise for any additional resources the Playgroup needs. There is no desire to expand the Playgroup. Twenty-four children is ideal because staff can attend very closely to their needs. Their approach covers all 8 WCDs. Implications Dealing with poverty and disadvantage is complex and requires multiple approaches as research from sites demonstrate. A single programme alone will not work but needs a combination of innovative, child and parent focused, evidence based approaches, across multi-agencies. GIRFEC (Getting it right for every child) in Scotland is a good example of how multiagency working can help palliate disadvantage and promote the health and wellbeing of all children and young people in Scotland. The Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014, states that GIRFEC aims to put the best interest of the child or young people at the heart of decision making; takes a holistic approach to the wellbeing of the child and young person; advocates preventative work and early intervention; builds on developing strong universal services. It is also clear that improving the wellbeing of children and young people should be, and is increasingly based on, evidence based research. Social and emotional learning, nurturing practices, whole child development, treating children and young people with dignity and respect, and good leadership, are all critical. However, improvements are more likely to be achieved when approaches are embedded into routine educational practices, supported by professional development and training for staff, and staff are committed to the programmes, as research from, for example, The Tees Valley Partnership, has indicated. What also seems critical is that for any initiative to be successful those whom it will impact should be consulted, as work in the Innovation Zones in West Belfast demonstrates, in language that is positive and respectful, as Restorative Practices in Scotland have made clear, and the approaches of St Bernard’s and Dominican Playgroup amply attest.
is well resourced, but funding is a serious problem. Unlike the statutory sector, voluntary Playgroups receive their income one month in arrears. Staff have to fundraise for any additional resources the Playgroup needs. There is no desire to expand the Playgroup. Twenty-four children is ideal because staff can attend very closely to their needs. Their approach covers all 8 WCDs. Implications Dealing with poverty and disadvantage is complex and requires multiple approaches as research from sites demonstrate. A single programme alone will not work but needs a combination of innovative, child and parent focused, evidence based approaches, across multi-agencies. GIRFEC (Getting it right for every child) in Scotland is a good example of how multiagency working can help palliate disadvantage and promote the health and wellbeing of all children and young people in Scotland. The Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014, states that GIRFEC aims to put the best interest of the child or young people at the heart of decision making; takes a holistic approach to the wellbeing of the child and young person; advocates preventative work and early intervention; builds on developing strong universal services. It is also clear that improving the wellbeing of children and young people should be, and is increasingly based on, evidence based research. Social and emotional learning, nurturing practices, whole child development, treating children and young people with dignity and respect, and good leadership, are all critical. However, improvements are more likely to be achieved when approaches are embedded into routine educational practices, supported by professional development and training for staff, and staff are committed to the programmes, as research from, for example, The Tees Valley Partnership, has indicated. What also seems critical is that for any initiative to be successful those whom it will impact should be consulted, as work in the Innovation Zones in West Belfast demonstrates, in language that is positive and respectful, as Restorative Practices in Scotland have made clear, and the approaches of St Bernard’s and Dominican Playgroup amply attest.