1.1. Explain the value of a childcentred model of assessment and planning

This guide will help you answer 1.1. Explain the value of a childcentred model of assessment and planning.

A child-centred model of assessment and planning is a way of working that puts children and young people at the heart of all decisions and processes. It focuses on their needs, interests, and rights, ensuring their voices are heard and respected. By prioritising the child’s perspective, this approach aims to provide support that is meaningful, respectful, and effective.

What Does “Child-Centred” Mean?

A child-centred approach means listening to the child and considering their views, feelings, and wishes when planning and assessing their needs. Rather than adults solely deciding what is best, the child has an active role in shaping their own support and development. This approach aligns with the rights of the child as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which is recognised in the UK.

This method acknowledges that each child is unique. Their experiences, circumstances, and understanding of the world are treated as central to how their care, education, and interventions are managed.

The Principles of a Child-Centred Approach

A child-centred model is guided by principles that ensure the child’s welfare remains the primary focus. These principles include:

• Respecting the child’s perspective: Their opinions and feelings are taken seriously.
• Recognising individuality: No two children are the same, and each has their own unique strengths and challenges.
• Empowering children: Giving children a sense of control over decisions that affect them.
• Encouraging participation: Actively involving the child in planning and decision-making.
• Seeing the whole child: Considering their emotional, social, physical, and cognitive needs, not just individual issues or behaviours.
• Protecting well-being: Ensuring the child feels safe, valued, and supported.

Why Is a Child-Centred Model Valuable?

Using a child-centred model benefits children, their families, and the professionals working with them. Here are the key reasons why this approach is valuable:

Respects the Rights of the Child

Every child has the right to express their opinions about matters affecting their life. This is stated in Article 12 of the UNCRC. A child-centred model respects these rights by not only listening to but acting on what the child wants where appropriate. It ensures children are seen as active participants, not passive recipients, in their own care.

Builds Stronger Relationships

When children see that their views are valued, they are more likely to trust adults and feel understood. This can strengthen relationships and create a safer and more supportive environment. Trust encourages children to share honestly during assessments, leading to a more accurate understanding of their needs.

Provides a Tailored Response

A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. By focusing on the individual child, their unique needs can be understood and addressed effectively. This may include support for their learning, emotional well-being, or social development. Customised plans are much more likely to lead to positive outcomes than generic ones.

Recognises the Child as an Expert in Their Life

Children and young people are the ones living their experiences, so they often have valuable insight into what support would work best for them. A child-centred model makes space for this valuable input, ensuring that plans and assessments are more aligned with the child’s true needs.

Promotes Holistic Development

Focusing on the child’s wider well-being rather than just their challenges helps promote all aspects of their development. A child-centred approach ensures that emotional, social, and physical well-being are considered alongside education or behaviour concerns.

Encourages Positive Outcomes

When children are listened to and their needs are met in ways that feel relevant to them, they are more likely to engage with support. This increases the likelihood of achieving positive changes and long-term development.

Practical Application in Assessment

Child-centred assessment involves understanding the child’s world and identifying their needs through their perspective. Some practical ways to achieve this include:

• Using age-appropriate communication: Speak to children in a way they understand. Younger children may benefit from play-based methods, while older children may prefer open conversations or creative tasks.
• Observation: Watching how a child plays, interacts, and responds to different situations can provide valuable insights.
• Consulting the child: Directly ask the child what they think about their strengths, challenges, and what would help them most.
• Involving the family: Speak with parents or carers to gain a fuller understanding of the child’s needs and circumstances.
• Multi-agency collaboration: Work with other professionals, like teachers or health workers, to gather a broad picture of the child’s needs.

Practical Application in Planning

Planning with a child-centred approach means involving the child in setting goals and decisions. It ensures they feel part of the process and understand what is happening. Some key actions include:

• Setting goals together: Give the child input into what they want to achieve, whether that’s improving relationships, doing better in school, or managing emotions more effectively.
• Reviewing regularly: Plans should be revisited with the child to see what progress they feel they’re making.
• Flexibility: Be open to changing plans based on the child’s feedback or changing circumstances.
• Explaining outcomes: Clearly communicate what support will be provided and why.

Implementing a Child-Centred Model

While this approach has many benefits, there are challenges that professionals need to consider:

• Limited communication skills: Younger children or those with special needs may struggle to express their views. Professionals must find creative ways to communicate, such as using pictures, symbols, or play.
• Conflict with adult perspectives: Sometimes, what the child wants may differ from what adults believe is best. In these cases, professionals need to balance the child’s wishes with safeguarding concerns and professional judgement.
• Time constraints: A child-centred approach requires time for meaningful engagement. This can be challenging in settings with high workloads or limited resources.

Despite these challenges, the effort to adopt a child-centred model is worthwhile for the significant benefits it brings to children’s well-being and development.

Examples of How a Child-Centred Approach Works

Example 1: Inclusive Classroom Planning

In an early years setting, a child-centred approach could involve asking a child what activities they enjoy most and incorporating their preferences. If a child loves painting but struggles with writing, the teacher might encourage them to paint their ideas before gradually introducing writing tasks. This makes learning more enjoyable and helps the child stay engaged.

Example 2: Family Support Planning

When supporting a child in a family facing difficulties, professionals could ask the child how they feel about their home life and what would make things better for them. This could lead to involving the family in a way that addresses the child’s concerns directly, such as adding quiet time for the child to complete homework.

Conclusion

A child-centred model values children as active participants in their own lives. It ensures that their needs, rights, and well-being are prioritised in every assessment and plan. By respecting their voices, this approach supports long-term positive outcomes and promotes trust, participation, and empowerment. Using this model effectively requires time, creativity, and dedication from professionals, but its benefits for children are undeniable.