CYP Now has collected the views of children's services experts from a range of backgrounds to hear what they think the key challenges and opportunities will be in 2016 across services for children, young people and families.
All children's services teams face the challenge of keeping staff turnover low against a landscape of tight budgets, so it is essential employers master the skills to retain, motivate and reward employees.
The heads of 4Children and NCB explain how the Children's Strategic Partnership will help grassroots voluntary groups have a greater say in shaping future government policy on children and young people.
Qualification requirements and training provision for working with children and young people is continuously adapting in line with changes in policy and practice. Charlotte Goddard provides a comprehensive overview.
CYP Now's Outcomes Conference earlier this month brought together leaders in children's services across the voluntary sector, local authorities and government to debate the way ahead for evidencing what works.
Matching childcare to local employers' needs, offering more care at weekends and funding provision all year round are the focus of some of the areas testing delivery of 30 hours per week of free childcare.