"A GOOD BEGINNING MAKES A GOOD ENDING"
"It is essential that Government and its partners are working to a coherent agenda so that children and parents receive consistent rather than confusing messages…" Early Years Framework |
All councils have begun the task of planning and prioritising services through their Single Outcome Agreements (SOAs) with Scottish Government. They have aligned and worked with their community planning partners in producing their SOA. This is providing greater opportunities for services to give better support to the needs of children, their families and communities. Already, SOAs across Scotland are making specific mention of the Early Years Framework and how the community planning partners plan to work together through the GIRFEC method of delivery towards improving outcomes for children. They are all beginning to align strategic planning across service commitments and link the evaluation of coherent delivery. There is evidence of an increase in family learning and parenting skills programmes.
In implementing the Framework, greater consistency of approaches and delivery will be needed across councils and their planning partners. Improved merging of community plans and integrated children’s services plans offer opportunities to bring together health, education, social work, housing, the voluntary (third) sector and economic development. Leadership skills of people and partnerships are critical to manage successful partnership working. Equally essential is the commitment by all of those involved in services to have an understanding of their shared responsibilities. This is being done already in councils which have taken forward audits of the range of their work, and have been successful in involving in the process those who deliver and use the services.
From practice The council regularly sought the views of children. With the help of voluntary services, the views of vulnerable children were gathered successfully in imaginative ways, using focus groups, drama and workshops. Children contributed well and influenced the development of the Integrated Children’s Service Plan. As a result of this success, a pilot to involve children more in social work policy development was being introduced. |
With clear direction and
purpose from council management and the community planning
partners, a coherent approach is developing for those working in
services and using them. Effective practice in a coherent approach
shows how
local communities and parents are empowered to take
action.
Points for reflection
|
A coherent approach which
supports parents to make a difference for children CASE STUDY 1 |
Perth and Kinross council and its partners share a clear and ambitious vision. Their vision reflects local needs through the community plan. They have agreed the Single Outcome Agreement for the area. The council’s vision is supported through effective strategic planning founded on an ambitious corporate improvement agenda.
The shared strategic vision is reflected in the council’s and its partners adopting a coherent approach to delivering services to children and families. One example of this is the council programme which provides support to children and engages and involves parents at all stages of their child’s life. The programme adopts a coherent inter-professional approach, based around common values. It is delivered as a key element within a wider community regeneration development. The regeneration includes building new houses, schools and community facilities and forms part of the community plan and the Single Outcome Agreement. The programme involves the full range of staff in supporting parents, including headteachers, teachers, community link workers, community learning workers, nurture group staff, school support staff and health promotion workers.
Support uses formal contacts with parents such as nursery to P1 transition, parents’ evenings, parenting skills groups, and workshops on handling children’s and teenage behaviour. The programme also uses informal opportunities that take place in schools and community facilities such as literacy and computing groups, return to work sessions, family learning activities, and clubs and holiday activities for children.
Impact for parents and families The coherent working approach in this programme has led to benefits for children and families. Parents feel happier and less isolated and better able to overcome times of crisis and worry. Getting support with basic needs has allowed them to give more energy and time to their children. They are more confident in being able to handle change and transitions, and do more things with and for their children. In addition, they have gained skills through adult learning and are now achieving and attaining qualifications.