research in practice

By Helen Donnellan (University of Plymouth)

This briefing, first in a series aimed at front-line social work and social care practitioners, focuses on child development. It covers key aspects of child development, bringing together a concise summary of research and theory with pointers for action. It also has links to useful resources that will inform your practice and give you more confidence in exercising your professional judgement.

All children’s services practitioners need to have a sound understanding of child development; knowing what is ‘normal’ supports effective assessment of need or risk, whilst understanding what can help to support growth and development ensures that interventions are appropriate. The briefing focuses specifically on a child’s first 11 years, which increasingly is recognised as a critically important time for development.

This briefing focuses on the research messages that are most applicable to the practice of frontline staff, and aims to inform assessment and interaction particularly. It is important to note the range of evidence-based programmes that exist, practitioners should explore which programmes are available locally and ensure they know how to access these.

The common issues to emerge from research findings are gathered under five core themes and discussed alongside some practice considerations that you can adapt and apply to the needs of your own professional practice.