ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the inter-agency approach to safeguarding children and considers the knowledge and skills of early years professionals involved in protecting children and young people. An inter-agency approach to the protection and wellbeing of children is not new; the Children Act 1989 specifies duties and powers for co-operation between social services departments, education, housing and health. The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) has now been replaced by local protocols, usually referred to as the Early Help Assessment. Observing children is a fundamental aspect of all early years practice and ensures that practitioners can match provision to children's needs in order to support learning and development. Child advocacy applies to a range of individuals, professionals and advocacy organisations that watch over and promote the development of children. When inter-agency teams form, they need time for a settling-in period, as roles and practices are established. As inter-agency teams generally come together to resolve a problem, this formation needs to be achieved quickly.
