Nursery World - Child behaviour assessed at P1

Children who exhibit signs of behavioural or developmental problems at the Primary One stage will be assessed by local authorities and health agencies by March 2008, the Scottish Executive has proposed following a multi-agency review. In its report published last week, the Youth Justice Improvement Group (YJIG), set up by the Executive last November, recommended early intervention as the key to reducing youth crime and anti-social behaviour.

In its report published last week, the Youth Justice Improvement Group (YJIG), set up by the Executive last November, recommended early intervention as the key to reducing youth crime and anti-social behaviour.

P1 stage assessment, involving early years staff, was one suggested action and this has been included in the Executive's published response.

Guidelines on the assessments and training procedures for agencies will be developed by December 2007. The Curriculum for Excellence development is also focusing on how to help local authorities manage educational transitions, particularly with regard to problem pupils.

Hugh MacKintosh, chief executive of Barnardo's Scotland and a member of YJIP, said, 'I think the report was endeavouring to get Scotland into early intervention and prevention. There is clear evidence that those who have problems early on are more likely to become offenders.

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