Box 1: Dimensions of children’s developmental needs
Health
Includes growth and development as well as physical and mental wellbeing. The
impact of genetic factors and of any impairment need to be considered. Involves
receiving appropriate health care when ill, an adequate and nutritious diet,
exercise, immunisations where appropriate and developmental checks, dental and
optical care and, for older children, appropriate advice and information on issues
that have an impact on health, including sex education and substance misuse.
Education
Covers all areas of a child’s cognitive development which begins from birth.
Includes opportunities:
- for play and interaction with other children;
- to access books;
- to acquire a range of skills and interests; and
- to experience success and achievement.
Involves an adult interested in educational activities, progress and achievements,
who takes account of the child’s starting point and any special educational needs.
Emotional and behavioural development
Concerns the appropriateness of response demonstrated in feelings and actions
by a child, initially to parents and caregivers and, as the child grows older, to
others beyond the family. Includes nature and quality of early attachments,
characteristics of temperament, adaptation to change, response to stress and
degree of appropriate self control.
Identity
Concerns the child’s growing sense of self as a separate and valued person.
Includes the child’s view of self and abilities, self image and self esteem, and
having a positive sense of individuality. Race religion, age, gender, sexuality and
disability may all contribute to this. Feelings of belonging and acceptance by
family, peer group and wider society, including other cultural groups.
Family and social relationships
Development of empathy and the capacity to place self in someone else’s shoes.
Includes a stable and affectionate relationship with parents or caregivers, good
relationships with siblings, increasing importance of age appropriate friendships
with peers and other significant persons in the child’s life and response of family
to these relationships.
Social presentation
Concerns the child’s growing understanding of the way in which appearance,
behaviour, and any impairment are perceived by the outside world and the
impression being created. Includes appropriateness of dress for age, gender,
culture and religion; cleanliness and personal hygiene; and availability of advice
from parents or caregivers about presentation in different settings.
Self care skills
Concerns the acquisition by a child of practical, emotional and communication
competencies required for increasing independence. Includes early practical skills
of dressing and feeding, opportunities to gain confidence and practical skills to
undertake activities away from the family and independent living skills as older
children. Includes encouragement to acquire social problem solving approaches.
Special attention should be given to the impact of a child’s impairment and other
vulnerabilities, and on social circumstances affecting these in the development of
self care skills. |
