Be able to assess the development needs of children and young people and prepare a development plan
What are the most relevant factors to be aware of when assessing a child or young person’s development?
All children and young people are different and have different needs. Similarly, a family’s ability to respond to and meet all their needs may also differ. In some circumstances, professional assessment may be required to identify strengths and needs, to ensure that all children, young people and their families receive appropriate support.
Assessment may take place in a wide range of situations and for a variety of purposes, for example:
· A teacher’s assessment of a child’s educational attainment at key stages of the national curriculum, to determine future learning plans.
· A paediatric assessment to ensure that a child has reached the appropriate developmental milestones and to monitor progress.
· A Connexions personal adviser’s assessment of a young person’s strengths and barriers to participation in learning to provide feedback and motivation.
· An educational psychologist’s assessment of a child or young person’s special educational needs to identify their educational strengths and needs.
· A social worker’s assessment of a child’s home situation, to determine if they are at risk of harm.
Each of these types of assessment has a clearly defined purpose and it is important to note that the role and function of assessment may vary according to the context.
Factors to take into consideration are:
Health
General health
The unborn, infant, child or young person's current health condition (for example, conditions of relevance to an infant, child or young person, including growth, development, physical and mental well-being). Also includes consideration of: * health conditions or impairments which significantly affect everyday life functioning whether chronic or acute, including obesity;