All Together Better

If you work or volunteer with children or young people you are in good company

For each child you support, just imagine how many other professionals and volunteers work with them.  From teachers to sports coaches, youth group leaders to healthcare professionals, more than 6 million people make up the children and young people’s workforce.

The voluntary sector contributes immensely to the health, education and wellbeing of the nation’s young.  Of all the workforce, it is often volunteers that form the closest bond, becoming the person turned to in times of need. It can be a unique and vital relationship.  But, it is essential that volunteers and professionals alike engage with each other, joining forces to ensure that all needs are met.

The Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) believes that better integration of children and young people’s services is vital if we are to give the next generation the best possible start in life.  Aiming to help you work more closely with other practitioners, CWDC is promoting a range of tools and guidance at a specially created microsite www.cwdcouncil.org.uk/alltogetherbetter that includes:

• Common assessment framework  - a process that enables practitioners and volunteers to identify each child’s needs, and who is best placed to deliver support and develop a tailored action plan to meet those needs.
• Guidance for the lead professional / practitioner – the person who co-ordinates all activity and becomes a single point of contact for everyone involved, especially the child or young person.
• Guidance on information sharing - practical advice and guidance on appropriate ways to share information.
• Workbook and training materials to introduce practitioners and volunteers to integrated working.

To find out more please visit www.cwdcouncil.org.uk/alltogetherbetter