There is a lot of research into the role children's centres play in improving outcomes for disadvantaged families. However, researchers from the University of Nottingham were keen to investigate centres' role in preventing injuries to under-fives, an area not previously analysed. Previous research has found injuries disproportionately affect children from low-income 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.
A new social work practice model, low caseloads and joined-up services have helped two of the three councils in a merged children's services department become the first to be judged "outstanding" by Ofsted's inspection system.
One of the problems of democracy is that leaders have views on many issues, and citizens don't always agree with all of the policies of "their" party or their government. So, I find myself supporting the principle of the new national funding formula for schools while deeply opposing the academisation programme.
In early 2014, the tri-borough councils in London became one of the first areas to benefit from the Department for Education's £100m, two-year Children's Social Care Innovation Fund.
On 17 September 2015, the Scottish Parliament passed the British Sign Language (BSL) Bill. The public gallery was packed with Deaf BSL users, many of whom had been banned from signing as children and forced to lip read. It had been a long, hard battle and it was difficult for many to hold back the tears and keep their emotions at bay.
Speech and language services ensure children keep up with their learning, but cuts have hit provision hard. Joe Lepper looks at how some councils and partners are managing to deliver successful services.
A guide by an education charity on how best to use teaching assistants recommends they should support all pupils, not just the most disadvantaged, so freeing up teachers to focus on aiding struggling children.
UK Youth has identified five key characteristics that underpin successful youth groups: a wide range of services, high-quality provision, young people's input, measurable outcomes and a sustainable business model.
If children's services are to deliver improved outcomes with declining resources, the sector must embrace technology, joint working and volunteers, says Pillars and Foundations, a radical paper from the ADCS.