Information on the Integrated review for two year olds
The new integrated review brings together two separate assessments one from childcare providers and the other from health professionals. It is being rolled out this month.
The two year old assessments carried out by childcare providers is a statutory part of the EYFS, where as the development assessment carried out by health professionals is part of the Healthy Child Programme. The new system being rolled out this month will bring together these two assessments.
Children who do not attend a childcare provider will only receive a health check by the health professionals not the progress check, this is however being explored further by government to see if all children can receive the progress check.
Practitioners will still be required to carry out a 2 year progress checks for all children aged 24-26 months, this is a requirement of the EYFS.
Why is this new integrated review being introduced?
Following consultations it came apparent that the two reviews were giving parents confusing and conflicting messages, this lead to parents being very confused over certain matters regarding their child’s development. Also concerns over children’s development were not being identified as early as they should be.
What will the integrated review offer
- A more detailed picture of the child, taking into account the information shared between qualified professionals
- Appropriate intervention and support for children and their families
- Reduce the risk of duplicate material
- Allow the Government to gather consistent national health data on the progress of children, through the Ages & Stages Questionnaire Version 3 (ASQ-3), which also acts as a starting point for discussion with parents.
What will the integrated review cover?
It will cover the following areas:
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Communication and Language
- Learning and Cognitive Development
- Physical Development and Self Care
- Physical Health
The approach to the integrated review may depend on the authority for example in the London Borough of Hackney this may involve early years and health professionals coming together with a meeting with the parent and child.
Another idea for the approach is to hold separate meetings for each part of the review.
The approaches are being piloted and the outcomes will be shared, one pilot area tried the approach where early years practitioners delivered the whole review, the information was then shared with the health team, however difficulties arose as the early years practitioners were not being able to make accurate judgements with regards to the health elements of the review.
Information from the integrated review will be documented into the child’s red book; there may also be other formats depending on the local authority. The review will be written in a clear way identifying areas where a child is progressing at a slower pace then expected, it will also highlight the type of support the child will require. Parents will be consulted on whom else to share the information with. Early years providers should use the information to inform planning to help progress the child’s learning and development.
For early year’s practitioners much of what they do in regards to children’s two years progress checks will stay the same, the only difference being practitioners can share their insight into family practices on health and well being.
Who will have to deliver the integrated review
All childcare settings including childminders will be involved; however during the initial roll out councils will be piloting it in certain areas first.
Main challenges to the implementation
- Significant financial and time pressure on settings
- Recruitment and retention of health visitors
- Cultural difference between the health and early years sector
- Barriers with different approaches and jargon
How can early year’s practitioners be prepared for the integrated review?
- Read about the local offer and make sure all staff are aware of it
- Ensure the progress checks carried out are managed effectively and are consistent
- Look to ensure your information sharing systems and processes are in place.
- Look out for extra training about the integrated review available and any being offered by your local authorities.
- Brush up on skills such as training on child development, communication with parents, observations and assessments
Consult with parents about this integrated review and see what they feel about it, it should be seen as a positive opportunity for parent to talk about their child’s development and how they feel they’re progressing and any concerns they might have.
To read more about the integrated review click here