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Child health and development

Children’s development and mental health are affected by various factors, including the environments they are raised in, the relationships they build and the experiences they have.

Child development refers to the physical, cognitive, emotional and social growth that occurs throughout a child and young person’s life. Children’s mental health – their cognitive, behavioural and social wellbeing – is affected by this development, as well as a range of factors, including trauma and abuse.

All aspects of children’s health and development work together to form their overall wellbeing. You can use these resources to find out about child health and development, spot and respond to signs of mental health issues and foster strong mental health and development in children.

Understanding child brain development

Explains how childhood trauma impacts child brain development, how this affects children in later life and how to overcome adverse childhood experiences.

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Trauma and child brain development training

Sign up for our face-to-face training to inform your practice around child brain development and trauma.

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Child abuse and neglect

Explores the different types of abuse and neglect. Includes recognising and responding to concerns and information around prevention, legislation, guidance and policy.

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Supporting children and families at risk

Looks at risk and vulnerability factors that help identify whether children or families require extra support to help keep children safe.

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Child mental health

Find out more about recognising issues with child mental health, how to respond and take appropriate action. 

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Promoting mental health wellbeing

Provides tips, information and resources to help you promote children and young people’s mental health throughout their childhood.

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Look, Say, Sing, Play early years resources

A set of resources to help parents interact with their baby, boosting child development and setting up positive behaviour as their child grows.

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Sexual development and behaviour in children

Find out more about developmentally typical sexual development and behaviour in children and how to respond to inappropriate or harmful behaviour.

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Attachment and child development

Explains the importance of child attachment, what issues can arise if caregivers are not attuned to their child’s needs and how you can support children and families.

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