1.1 Explain the purpose and features of community-based setting

This guide will help you answer 1.1 Explain the purpose and features of community-based setting.

Community-based settings are services or organisations that operate within a local area to meet the needs of children, young people, and their families. They focus on providing support, care, education, and opportunities that help improve the lives of individuals within that community. These settings work closely with families, local authorities, health professionals, and voluntary groups.

They may include children’s centres, youth clubs, family hubs, nurseries linked to community halls, after-school clubs, and playgroups. Some are run by charities or voluntary groups, while others are funded by the local council or supported through a mix of grants and community fundraising.

The main aim is to make services accessible to everyone in the local area. Many are based within walking distance or easy travel routes, so families do not have to travel far to get support.

These settings operate on values such as inclusivity, equality, and community engagement. They often encourage active involvement from parents, carers, and local residents in decision-making and running activities.

Community-based provision is often shaped by local needs. A setting in one area might focus heavily on early years care, while another may work more with teenagers and youth support. This flexibility makes them an important part of local support networks.

What is the Purpose of Community-Based Settings?

The purpose of a community-based setting is to meet the needs of the local population and remove barriers to access. This is done through several main functions:

• Support child development – Play, learning, and social interaction help children gain physical, emotional, social, and cognitive skills.
• Offer family support – Guidance, workshops, and parenting courses help families to cope with challenges and improve home life.
• Provide a safe space – Children and young people have a safe and supportive place to spend time, learn, and develop positive relationships.
• Encourage social inclusion – Promote participation from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities to reduce isolation and discrimination.
• Promote healthy lifestyles – Through activities, health checks, nutrition advice, and exercise programmes.
• Act as a hub for information – Share details of services, benefits, and community events.
• Bridge gaps between services – Work in partnership with education providers, health services, and social care.

These settings help create stronger and more connected communities by bringing people together. They also reduce strain on specialist services by supporting families early before problems grow.

Features of a Community-Based Setting

A community-based setting has certain key features that make it different from other childcare or educational environments. Understanding these features helps practitioners meet the needs of the people who use the service.

Accessibility

The setting is based locally so it is easy for people in the area to get there. This may mean:

• Central locations in towns, villages, or housing estates
• Near public transport routes
• Low or subsidised costs so everyone can afford to attend

Inclusivity

Services are open to all, regardless of income, background, or ability. This means the setting:

• Welcomes people from different cultural and language groups
• Adapts activities to meet additional needs and disabilities
• Provides translated materials or interpreters when possible

Community Involvement

A strong link exists between the setting and the local people. This can include:

• Local parents and residents volunteering
• Community fundraising events
• Feedback sessions so service users help shape activities and services

Multi-Agency Working

Community-based settings often work with a range of partners, such as:

• Local authority early years teams
• Health visitors, midwives, and school nurses
• Social workers and safeguarding teams
• Speech and language therapists
• Local colleges or training providers

This joined-up approach makes it easier to give families a range of services in one place.

Focus on Early Intervention

By identifying issues early, such as speech delay, behavioural concerns, or family stress, community-based settings can offer support before they become bigger problems. This may include:

• Referring to specialist services
• Offering in-house support from trained staff
• Providing targeted activities or workshops

Family-Centred Practice

The needs of the whole family are taken into account, not just the child. For example:

• Parenting programmes to help carers build skills and confidence
• Advice on housing, benefits, or employment
• Groups for parents to meet and share experiences

Flexibility

The setting adapts to changing needs in the local area. This may mean:

• Offering holiday clubs when children are off school
• Running pop-up health clinics or community events
• Changing opening hours to suit working parents

Examples of Community-Based Settings

Here are some examples to show how varied community-based provision can be.

Children’s Centres
Offer early education, play sessions, health checks, speech development groups, and parenting advice. Usually run by the local authority or a voluntary organisation.

Youth Clubs
Provide structured activities and informal social spaces for teenagers. Support with personal development, life skills, and mental health.

Community Nurseries
Offer childcare in a friendly, local setting. Often involve parents in decision-making and encourage community links.

Parent and Toddler Groups
Run in church halls, community centres, or sports halls. Provide social opportunities for parents and carers alongside play experiences for young children.

Family Hubs
Bring together a range of services under one roof, such as early years, health, and family support.

After-School Programmes
Offer safe, constructive activities for children until parents can collect them after work.

Benefits to Children and Families

These settings provide many benefits that positively impact development and family life.

• Support learning through structured play and informal education
• Improve social skills by encouraging interaction with peers and adults
• Support emotional wellbeing in safe and understanding spaces
• Create opportunities for positive role models through staff and volunteers
• Reduce isolation for parents and carers through group activities and peer networks
• Give access to resources such as books, toys, and equipment that families may not have at home
• Signpost to other services for additional help

Challenges Faced by Community-Based Settings

Working in a community environment brings benefits but also challenges for staff and management.

• Funding can be uncertain and may rely on short-term grants
• Volunteer support may vary, leading to inconsistent provision
• High demand for services can put pressure on staffing and resources
• Meeting the needs of a wide age range and different backgrounds requires flexibility and training
• Maintaining good partnerships with other agencies takes planning and regular communication
• Buildings may need maintenance and adaptation to meet safety and accessibility standards

The Role of a Worker in a Community-Based Setting

Workers play a key role in making these services effective. The specific tasks vary but could include:

• Planning sessions and activities suitable for different ages and abilities
• Keeping accurate records of attendance and progress
• Offering encouragement and a positive attitude to children and parents
• Being approachable and aware of safeguarding responsibilities
• Supporting families to access other services when needed
• Promoting health and safety for everyone in the setting
• Encouraging participation and feedback from users

Staff should value diversity and promote equality at every opportunity, being aware of cultural practices and individual needs.

Linking with the Local Community

Strong relationships help the setting to grow and respond to needs. This may involve:

• Attending local events to raise awareness of services
• Working with local schools and nurseries to share information
• Partnering with local businesses for sponsorship or resources
• Using community notice boards, newsletters, and social media to share updates

The more connected the setting is to the community, the more effective it can be in improving outcomes for children and families.

Safeguarding in a Community-Based Setting

Keeping children safe is a priority. All workers must follow safeguarding policies in line with legal requirements. This means:

• Knowing how to identify signs of abuse or neglect
• Reporting concerns promptly to the designated safeguarding lead
• Keeping training up to date
• Following safe recruitment practices for staff and volunteers

Policies should be clear and accessible so everyone understands their responsibilities.

Measuring Success

Evaluating the impact of a community-based setting helps improve services and show value to funders. Measures could include:

• Attendance numbers and patterns
• Feedback from families and children
• Progress made by children in areas such as language and social skills
• Case studies showing how support has made a difference
• Partner agencies’ feedback on working relationships

Final Thoughts

Community-based settings are vital in promoting the wellbeing, development, and life chances of children and young people. They bring together education, care, health, and family support in one accessible, local place. By focusing on the needs of the whole family, they create lasting benefits that strengthen the community as a whole.

For a worker, understanding the purpose and features of these settings means you can work more effectively with children, families, and other professionals. It helps you see the bigger picture of how your role contributes to meeting local needs and improving lives. Every setting is slightly different, but the shared aim is to provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where children can thrive and families feel valued.