AN EXEMPLARY SCHEME

An Exemplary Scheme? An Evaluation of the Integrated Children's System

An Exemplary Scheme? An Evaluation of the Integrated Children's System

Project focus

The An Evaluation of the Integrated Children's System agenda is leading to significant change for the children's workforce. Higher Education can play a significant role in this process, appropriately aligning student learning with the new ways of working. However, it has been noted that integrated services are not yet well developed and the Common Core is 'not yet visible in practice throughout the workforce' . This places constraints on the ability of students to critically engage with the proposed new ways of working.

The aim of this funded project was to develop an understanding of the needs of both students and their work-based learning mentors in settings where the student is aiming to demonstrate the underpinning principles and theories of integrated practice. By gaining an insight into these needs the project sought to identify key issues that can contribute to appropriate work-based support for student learning in new roles. An additional specific outcome was to identify and develop appropriate resources that would support a critical understanding of the Integrated Children's Services agenda in practice settings associated with a Foundation Degree (Working with children, young people and their families).

Introduction: the one children's workforce

Policy and practice in the fields of work with children and young people are currently undergoing radical change. This change agenda is leading to the creation of new services and new working practices that emphasise integration through multi-agency working and partnerships. These new configurations are leading to the development of new roles that do not necessarily fit with existing, traditional professional qualifications.

The purpose behind this strand of policy has been to encourage inter-professional collaboration, and to identify and disseminate 'best practice'. Arising out of recommendations in An Evaluation of the Integrated Children's System, The Children's Workforce Strategy set out a vision of a 'competent, confident and stable' workforce that would 'overcome the restrictive impact of professional and organisational boundaries'. The Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC) was subsequently charged with implementing the strategy. It aims to do this through 'stimulating new ways of working and the development of new roles' and through the introduction of an Integrated Qualifications Framework built around the six areas in the

Common Core of Skills and Knowledge for the Children's Workforce :

• Child and young person development

• Safeguarding children and promoting welfare of children

• Effective communication and engagement

• Supporting transitions

• Multi-agency working

• Sharing information.

In December 2007 the government published its Children's Plan which 'builds on the ambitions set out in An Evaluation of the Integrated Children's System' and aims to deliver 'a step change in outcomes'. The Children's Plan commits government to continuing to 'drive up quality and capacity of those working in the children's workforce'. Building Brighter Futures: Next Steps for the Children's Workforce (DCSF, 2008:6) announced a strengthening of government commitment to ensure that 'services are integrated and personalised' through a new 10 year workforce reform ...