Child development: Application to frontline practice

Explore research, theory and practice messages to understand the range of influences that may affect an individual child’s development

A good knowledge of child development is essential in promoting children’s wellbeing, keeping children safe and providing the right support to children, parents and families.

This workshop brings together long-established knowledge and understanding of child development with more recent evidence and insights to support an inclusive and equitable approach. Participants will explore research, theory and practice messages to understand the range of influences that may affect an individual child’s development. They will consider tools that can assist with understanding child development, including identifying when children are not meeting typical milestones.

This workshop focuses on child development from birth to five years old.

Designed for

Family help and social care practitioners working directly with children and families.

Learning outcomes

As a result of attending this workshop participants will be able to:

  • Explain the relevance of child development to your role.
  • Understand the interrelated nature of different aspects of child development.
  • Identify the factors that can have an impact on a child’s development.
  • Describe the challenges of understanding child development in your role and understand how to overcome them.
  • Use child development tools to inform assessments.

Booking information

This is a full day interactive session delivered via Microsoft Teams and you are encouraged to contribute with the aid of break-out rooms, the chat function and large group discussions. Participants will benefit from having a quiet space to work without interruption. Slides will be sent out after the session.

Research in Practice members can use their membership allocation to book this workshop. Link Officers can use the booking request form to book this workshop. Please only use this form if you are authorised to choose your organisation's membership allocation.

Once your booking is received, our learning team will work with you to confirm a delivery date and provide relevant information. 

The deadline for booking this year’s online workshops is 17 October 2025.

Organisations that are not Research in Practice Partners can commission this workshop individually by contacting our learning team