Call to improve support for wider children’s workforce

The government needs to put in place a national strategy to address failures in support for the wider children’s workforce, according to children’s services bosses. The Association of Directors of Children’s Services says there has been a “lack of focus” and investment in the wider children’s workforce resulting in a shortage of staff and insufficient training opportunities. Among those they say are not being well supported are those who offer early help to children and families, including youth workers, health visitors and school support staff. These roles have “borne the brunt of a decade of austerity”, says the ADCS in a policy paper Building a Workforce That Works For All Children. This says a “coherent workforce strategy” is needed to address capacity issues and ensure that training is up to date and readily available. Improvements in support also need to be properly funded. Read more.