1.1 Explain the purposes of learning, development and support services

This guide will help you answer 1.1 Explain the purposes of learning, development and support services.

Learning, development and support services exist to help children and young people grow, thrive and reach their potential. These services often extend beyond basic education and deal with social, emotional, health and welfare needs. They support children and young people in different settings, including schools, nurseries, youth centres, foster placements and community programmes.

Such services can provide guidance, practical help and interventions to address barriers to learning or personal growth. They help develop skills, promote wellbeing and encourage positive life choices.

Promoting Educational Achievement

One core purpose of learning and development services is to build knowledge and skills. Educational achievement impacts future life opportunities, employment prospects and self-confidence.

These services promote achievement by:

• Teaching subjects such as literacy and numeracy
• Encouraging curiosity and exploration through play and active learning
• Setting clear goals and monitoring progress over time

Individual support plans can adapt teaching methods to meet the needs of those who require extra help. This might include differentiated instruction, targeted interventions or the use of assistive technology for learners with physical or learning disabilities.

Supporting Social Development

Social development deals with how children and young people interact with others. It helps them form relationships, work in teams, communicate effectively, and deal with conflict.

Support services help through:

• Group activities which encourage cooperation
• Opportunities for role play and social games
• Teaching communication skills and empathy

Social development is important for forming a sense of belonging and reducing isolation. It is especially relevant for children who may struggle with social skills due to anxiety, developmental delay or experiences of trauma.

Addressing Emotional Wellbeing

Emotional wellbeing services focus on helping children and young people manage feelings and develop resilience. Many who use support services may face challenges such as bereavement, bullying, family breakdown or mental health issues.

Services may include:

• Counselling sessions with trained professionals
• Peer mentoring schemes
• Mindfulness activities

Having emotional support helps young people understand their emotions and develop healthy coping strategies. This prevents problems becoming worse and supports learning by reducing stress.

Improving Physical Health

Physical health is a foundation for learning and development. Poor health can affect attendance, concentration and energy levels. Health-related support services look at promoting healthy lifestyles and addressing medical needs.

These services often involve:

• Health checks
• Programmes promoting nutrition and exercise
• Support with managing long-term health conditions such as asthma or diabetes

Healthcare professionals work alongside educators to create safe and inclusive environments for all children.

Safeguarding and Protection

Safeguarding is about protecting children and young people from harm. Learning, development and support services must maintain safe situations and respond quickly to risks.

Workers may provide:

• Education on personal safety
• Monitoring attendance patterns to spot possible neglect
• Policies to keep environments safe

Safeguarding is guided by legal frameworks such as the Children Act 1989 and 2004 in England. It requires that any concerns are reported and acted upon promptly.

Encouraging Independence and Life Skills

Independence means being able to make decisions and manage daily life without constant support. Life skills include budgeting, cooking, travel, and self-care. Services often prepare young people for adulthood.

Activities might include:

• Teaching financial planning basics
• Providing travel training for public transport
• Coaching on job interview skills

For care leavers, these skills help them manage living on their own. Learning about responsibility boosts confidence and can prevent future reliance on social services.

Supporting Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Children and young people with SEND may require changes in teaching, resources and the physical environment. SEND support services create opportunities for everyone to participate and achieve.

Support may involve:

• Individual education plans (IEPs)
• Specialist equipment
• Training staff to use sign language or communication aids

Services work closely with families and healthcare providers to remove barriers.

Offering Family Support

Family support services recognise that a child’s home environment can influence their learning and health. They may assist parents and carers to help them feel confident in supporting their child’s needs.

Examples include:

• Advice on parenting strategies
• Support groups for carers
• Help with accessing benefits or housing

Improving family relationships can strengthen a child’s ability to succeed academically and personally.

Encouraging Participation in Decision Making

Giving children and young people a voice builds confidence and reinforces respect. Services aim to involve them in decisions affecting their lives.

Participation can happen through:

• School councils
• Youth advisory boards
• Surveys and feedback forms

Including young voices helps to create services that meet real needs and encourages self-advocacy.

Reducing Barriers to Learning

Some children and young people face barriers linked to poverty, discrimination, mental health or exclusion from school. Learning, development and support services are there to remove or reduce these obstacles.

Ways to reduce barriers:

• Providing free school meals
• Offering transport to education centres
• Creating safe spaces where young people feel welcomed and valued

Targeted support can stop students falling behind and keep them progressing.

Preparing for Employment

Career support services help young people prepare for the workplace. They aim to bridge the gap between education and employment.

Work may involve:

• Work experience placements
• Careers advice and planning
• Skills workshops

These services guide young people in making informed choices and developing capabilities employers need.

Creating Inclusive Environments

Inclusion means treating everyone fairly and removing discrimination. Learning and support services aim to make environments welcoming for all backgrounds, abilities and identities.

Approaches include:

• Anti-bullying campaigns
• Staff training in equality and diversity
• Adapting materials for different languages and learning styles

Inclusivity improves participation and prevents marginalisation.

Promoting Positive Behaviour

Behaviour support programmes encourage respectful behaviour in classrooms, playgrounds and wider society. They focus on self-control, respect, and understanding rules.

Common approaches:

• Reward systems for good behaviour
• Clear and consistent boundaries
• Restorative practices to deal with conflict

Positive behaviour creates a safe and productive learning environment.

Strengthening Community Links

Many services work closely with community partners such as youth clubs, charities, sports groups and healthcare teams. These links expand opportunities for young people to engage in constructive activities.

Benefits include:

• Access to additional resources
• Opportunities for volunteering
• Building networks that support social growth

Community links promote engagement outside formal education.

Monitoring Progress and Outcomes

Tracking progress helps staff measure the success of programmes and adapt to changing needs. Monitoring can be academic, emotional, behavioural or physical.

Methods include:

• Regular assessments
• Progress reviews with the child and family
• Data collection on attendance and participation

This process helps identify areas where extra help is needed.

Final Thoughts

Learning, development and support services are wide-ranging. They work together to improve education, wellbeing, social skills and future prospects. They respond to individual needs and create opportunities for every child or young person to succeed.

Understanding these purposes helps workers provide meaningful and effective support. It also highlights the importance of collaboration between educators, health professionals, families and communities. A strong network of services can transform lives and create brighter futures for children and young people.