Understand the Needs of Children and Young People who are Vulnerable and Experiencing Poverty and Disadvantage

Unit summary

To provide learners with an in-depth understanding of the effects of poverty and disadvantage on children and young people.

Learning outcomes Assessment

1 Understand the factors that may impact on the outcomes and life chances of children and young people

1.1 Identify the factors that impact on outcomes and life chances for children and young people

1.2 Explain the critical importance of poverty in affecting outcomes and life chances

1.3 Analyse a strategic national or local policy that has a positive impact on outcomes and life chances for children and young people

1.4 Explain why strategic direction from national and local policy is required to address factors impacting on outcomes and life chances for children and young people

2 Understand how poverty and disadvantage affect children and young people’s development

2.1 Analyse how poverty and disadvantage may affect children and young people’s:

- physical development

- social and emotional development

- communication development

- intellectual development

- learning

3 Understand the importance of early intervention for children and young people who are disadvantaged and vulnerable

3.1 Explain what is meant by both disadvantage and vulnerability

3.2 Explain the importance of early intervention for disadvantaged and/or vulnerable children and young people

3.3 Evaluate the impact of early intervention

4 Understand the importance of support and partnership in improving outcomes for children and young people who are experiencing poverty and disadvantage

4.1 Research the policy and guidance impacting on support services at national level and evaluate how this operates at local level

4.2 Explain how carers can be engaged in the strategic planning of services

4.3 Analyse how practitioners can encourage carers to support children and young people’s learning and development

4.4 Explain how the interface with adult services is structured so that the needs of children and young people whose carers are users of services are taken into account

5 Understand the role of the practitioner in supporting children and young people who are vulnerable and experiencing poverty and disadvantage

5.1 Explain how positive practice with children and young people who are experiencing poverty and disadvantage may increase resilience and self-confidence

5.2 Explain why it is important for practitioners to have high expectations of, and ambitions for all children and young people regardless of their circumstances and background

5.3 Analyse how and why practitioners should act as agents and facilitators of change in own work setting