TEY_10_1_2020

Partnership opportunities are available between government agencies and the private sector which might provide an alternative income stream. Physical ‘hubs’ are being sought in buildings that the targeted users already visit: if you have an underutilised area that could be separated off as a consultation room for organisations to speak with, say, parents needing family support, these could be hired out. This need only be a private space for a couple of chairs; it just allows people to go in through a door marked Nursery rather than Domestic Abuse Services . Free training may be available to upskill staff to allow you to offer more specialist services that may attract a higher price or make you more competitive. Being involved in public initiatives alongside your own services – such as A Better Start in England, or Flying Start in Wales, can regulate your income and provide more security. Play your part The scene of early care is changing, and the focus will be on prevention rather than cure. The whole family will be the target, rather than the squeaky wheel that may previously have been a suffering child. Nurseries that can align themselves with this stand a better chance of being involved at an early stage, and not just helping the families they serve, but establishing themselves as key figures in efforts to improve child welfare. and happiness all contribute massively to a child’s health. However, when you know that it will also reflect their future wellbeing, it adds a different level of responsibility. Looking after the parent too may feel like it’s out of your remit, but if you can see it as an extension of the child’s wellbeing, then it may be more comfortable. Nursery staff often have a close relationship with parents and are far more likely than healthcare professionals to know what’s really happening in their lives. Have a member of staff who’s interested in such things as the go-to person for wellbeing. Get them informed about what initiatives are available locally, so that parents who are struggling can be signposted on to formal support. Have a noticeboard where parents gather, and plaster it with posters about what constitutes domestic abuse. Have names and contact details about housing issues and mental health services. Give information about how foetuses and children are affected by parents with alcohol and substance misuse. Offer health visitors the ability to send leaflets, etc. about issues that affect children so that you can give them out. If you believe parents are struggling, ask if you can pass on their details. There are also less-altruistic ways to be involved. The government wishes to harness the contacts, relationships and expertise that organisations such as nurseries already have with families. 75 R E A D M O R E A T Teachearlyyears.com “The government wishes to harness the contacts, relationships and expertise that nurseries already have with families.” Read Lorraine’s article on ACEs on Teachearlyyears.com – bit.do/TEYace KEY INFORMATION Five points for nursery leaders to remember… l The First 1,000 Days of a child’s life – from conception to around two years – is considered to be reflective of their life chances. l Stress, substance misuse and poverty suffered by a pregnant mother can seriously affect her child’s health and wellbeing. l The government wishes to focus on preventing problems through early intervention – to buffer a foetus/child from the effects of poor housing, poverty and a lack of education. l Government is seeking partnerships with the private/ voluntary sector in order to use them as vehicles to reach their users. l Opportunities will be available in terms of upskilling, utilising or expanding existing resources.