What is the Common Core?
In April 2005, the Department for Education and Skills (DfES)
published the Common Core of Skills and Knowledge for the
Children’s Workforce. Details can be found at www.dfes.gov.uk/commoncore.
This sets out basic skills and knowledge that everyone working with
children, young people and families should have.
The common core covers six themes:
- effective communication and engagement with children, young
people, parents and carers
- child and young person development
- safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the child
- supporting transitions
- multi-agency working, and
- sharing information.
The DfES believes that introducing the common core
will:
- lead to greater understanding and improved communication about
effective practice, across different parts of the children’s
workforce
- improve the life chances of all children and young people,
and
- make it easier for agencies with responsibilities for children,
young people and families to work together.