Nursery World - EYFS Best Practice: All about ... Supporting vulnerable families

The numbers of settings working with vulnerable twos is on the
rise, but what are the challenges faced by these children and their
families, and what approaches should the early years sector employ to
meet their needs? Anne O'Connor looks at what practitioners need to
know

Since 2013, we have seen unprecedented expansion in provision for two-year-olds, driven by the Government agenda for early intervention. Initially, this was targeted at the 20 per cent most disadvantaged in the age group, but in 2014 this was extended to 40 per cent, with a broadening of the criteria of eligible families.

Although there is still a shortfall in provision, many settings (including children's centres, childminders and schools) are now working with much younger or more vulnerable children than they have done previously.

Those numbers look set to rise again whatever the political hue of the next Government, making it more important than ever that early years practitioners understand the profiles of 'vulnerable families' and the essential principles for supporting them.

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