FW: 4Children This Month eNews

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There is lots of interest in this 4Children news letter including podcasts from their recent conference.CheryllDr Cheryll , D(Nurs), MSc, BSc(Hons), RN, RHV, Dip ManIndependent Adviser, Health Visiting and Community Health Policy and PracticeFrom: 4Children <info@...>Reply- 4Children <info@...>Date: Wed, 9 May 2012 10:04:29 +0000 Dr Cheryl <drcmadams@...>Subject: 4Children This Month eNews

4Children This Month eNews

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WelcomeIt was exciting to be spearheading such an important, positive debate at our national conference on work with troubled families this month looking at the essential but challenging approaches to helping families prevent crisis. It was particularly good to hear about the work going on around the country to support them and bring about change. What came out of that is a clear need for a more coordinated approach between professions, focusing on early intervention and prevention.

This was again highlighted by the disappointing lack of local poverty strategies in place which we discovered during our latest piece of research, particularly in areas with the most child poverty. This is a legal obligation for local authorities and it must be prioritised to give all families the best chance in life.

Thank you to everyone who took part in our Children’s Centre Census, which we will be publishing shortly. We are also delighted to be working with Professor Marmot’s team at the University College London and other national experts to develop a new Outcomes Framework for Children’s Centres. The first phase of the work will be launched at our forthcoming national conference on Children’s Centres in July. We have reduced rates for local groups, so I hope you will be able to attend.

Finally, I hope family and children’s groups up and down the country will be taking the opportunity to get involved and foster community spirit with celebrations of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee this coming June. And with the Olympics coming up next, there are even more opportunities to showcase the great work happening with children and families.

Find more useful information below about a wide range of events and resources to help you in your work.

Best wishes

Anne Longfield, OBE

Chief Executive, 4Children

Campaigning for a better deal for children and families

Building sustainable futures: preventing crisis

4Children’s Annual Children and Families Policy Conference on 25 April brought together the high profile head of the new Government Troubled Families Team, Louise Casey with experts and policy makers from different sectors as well as the DWP Secretary of State, Rt Hon Iain Duncan MP and Minister for Children and Families, Teather, MP for a lively and motivating day focusing on the issues that face troubled families and how to prevent crisis. Anne Longfield called for improved cooperation between early years and health services as well as a shift in focus towards early intervention and prevention. Listen to the full podcast and download speakers’ presentations.

Leading the way in

the Early Years

The Government’s reformed Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) was launched at the end of March, ready for implementation in September this year. The Foundation Years website is the only place where all the guidance to the reformed EYFS is available.

The EYFS was published alongside non-statutory guidance – Development Matters, to ensure the four themes of the EYFS Framework work together, and guidance on implementing the statutory progress check at age two. This summer will see 4Children publishing guidance for parents on how they can support their children during the foundation years.

Existing and evolving resources to implement the framework can be found in our online library. Join in EYFS forum discussions on how the revised guidance affects you, as well as sharing ideas and best practice. Check out the updated Frequently Asked Questions. And read more about the early years sector verdict on the EYFS.

Driving policy forward for children and families

4Children made sure children and families were at the top of the agenda for London mayor candidates with the Family Mayoral Manifesto. The manifesto set out the ten things which families told us they wanted their mayor to deliver for them, including: developing a Family Test to ensure all policies from City Hall are family friendly; transforming Children’s Centres into an integrated network of support hubs; building at least 55,000 more affordable family homes by 2016; and developing a flexible childcare scheme to support working parents.

News

Fewer than half of local authorities have a child poverty strategy

All top-tier councils are required to have a strategy on tackling child poverty. But 4Children found this is far from the case, as 78 local authorities do not have a strategy in place. Read more including results for the ten local authorities with the highest proportion of children living in poverty.

News

Truancy measures to start in primary school

New proposals to deal with truancy include collecting fines through benefits payments and collating attendance data in nursery and reception years. Read more, including 4Children comment

News

Children could lose out on free school meals

Changes to the benefits system and the introduction of universal credit in October 2013 could mean that more than 350,000 children miss out. Read more, including how 4Children are backing the Fair and Square campaign to ensure that all children in need of a free school meal receive one.

News

Record number of children being taken into care

The latest figures released by the courts advisory service Cafcass show that the figure for applications to take children into care has risen by over ten per cent. Read more, including 4Children comment

News in Brief

Health professionals work together in a campaign against rising levels of childhood obesity

Reform in NHS Services creating a more confusing system for vulnerable children

Reducing tax evasion threatens early intervention funding

Get Involved

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Plan your jubilee celebration with details of local and national events, games and learning, facts, and a history of the Queen’s life.

Get Set

Make the most of London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games with resources, ideas and opportunities.

KnowHowNonProfit have a new commissioning and procurement area on their wiki project. Share experiences, edit content and add new information.

Calling for your views

Draft Revised Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities on Services and Activities to Improve Young People’s Wellbeing

Closing date: 25 May 2012

Revised Sure Start Centres Statutory Guidance

Closing date: 1 June 2012

NICE Social and Emotional Wellbeing – Early Years: Consultation on the Draft Guidance

Closing date: 18 June 2012

Statutory Guidance on Play Opportunities in Wales

Closing date: 25 June

4Children members – make the most of your benefits

Have you registered through the Children and Young People Now (CYPN) site for your FREE exclusive access to CYPN online? 4Children members have access to the latest developments and resources including up-to-the-minute news, funding sources, case studies, features and articles. Contact the 4Children membership team for your 4Children member activation code.

For any queries about 4Children membership, please contact our membership team on 020 7522 6923 or via info@....

EventsChildren’s Centres – The Future: Improving Outcomes for Children and Families18 July 2012, London

Debate and discuss the future of Children’s Centres, find out how the economic pressures are being addressed, and hear from speakers on how Children’s Centres really can be the hub of the community.

Missed the last event?Presentations from 4Children’s conferences and events are available online.

Other diary datesNDNA The Essential Nursery Conference

Be inspired with the latest on childcare policy, practice and business advice. 21 – 22 June 2012, Birmingham

Family Links National Conference

This conference highlights the benefits of the Nurturing Programme at every stage of a child’s life from ante-natal to early years and teens, in school and at home. 6 July 2012, Oxford

Annual London Childcare Providers Forum

A free event for all London childcare providers, including childminders and group settings, and is a unique opportunity to exchange experiences and contribute to debates. 24 May 2012, London

Foundation Years

See all the events 4Children is involved with here.

Sector LinksEarly Education works with policy makers and offers training, professional development, information and advice to people working in early childhood education.

National Children’s Bureau aims to improve children and young people’s experiences and life chances, reducing the impact of inequalities.

The Centre for Social Justice is an independent think tank seeking effective solutions to poverty in Britain.

Resources

Make Space for Health

Download the free, fun, innovative and interactive resources for youth leaders to support young people to manage their lifestyles. The packs cover three themes: EAT (nutritional health), MOVE (physical activity), and FEEL (emotional health).

Making the most of volunteers

New online volunteering resources for childcare and early years providers, outlining different approaches to involving parents and developing structured volunteer programmes.

Helping parents who separate

4Children have worked with Child Maintenance Options to provide information on child maintenance for professionals working with children and families in the foundation years.

Tax credits calculator

An online calculator to give parents an idea of how many tax credits they are entitled to.

Aiming Higher

Sign up to 4Children’s nationally recognised quality improvement framework for all childcare settings and provision for young people, 0-19.

UpdateWiltshire Children’s Centres launch their “I Can, You Can” Campaign supporting families by highlighting the benefits of training and volunteering, inspiring people to take those difficult first steps back into work.

Outstanding Children’s Centre in Wiltshire and confirmed ‘good’ grading for Essex Children’s Centre with an outstanding future ahead.

Vacancies

Find jobs at our head office and children and family services around the country.

4Children Information Helpline

For support, advice, guidance and signposting

Tel: 020 7512 2100

info@...

www.4Children.org.uk

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