Acknowledgements
This book was developed as part of a pack of resources commissioned by
the Department for Education and Skills for use by practitioners working
with children and families, their managers and trainers. The pack was pro-
duced in a partnership between the Faculty of Health and Social Care (The
Open University), the NSPCC and Royal Holloway College, University of
London.
The material, presented in a range of media, includes new perspectives
on child development and looks at children in their varied and diverse con-
texts. It builds vital bridges between the need to understand children's
development and the ways practitioners carry out their tasks when working
with children and their families.
It is particularly relevant for staffworking in social care, health and edu-
cation, in both the statutory and independent sectors, who may be required
to assess the developmental needs of children and young people and think
about appropriate help.
The heartfelt thanks of the editors go to Jenny Gray of the Department
for Education and Skills, who commissioned the project and expertly and
patiently guided it to completion, and to Amy Lankester-Owen and Ste-
phen Jones of Jessica Kingsley Publishers for their encouragement and
enthusiasm throughout the project. The editors also extend their gratitude
to members of the Project's Steering Group and Advisory Group listed at
the end of the book, who collectively and individually contributed their
expertise to the project, ensured we were fully informed of different profes-
sional perspectives, and tested out ideas and resources in their own agencies.
There are many others who helped us with their advice and support. In par-
ticular we would wish to thank Lynne Murray, Peter Cooper and Oliver
James for sharing their expertise on child development. Maureen Crouch,
NSPCC Training Associate, who undertook a valuable training needs sur-
vey for us, Enid Henry and other NSPCC colleagues who participated in a
developmental workshop at the start of the project and continued their sup-
port through the preparation of the book. Sheena Doyle and her colleagues

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