It is of course welcome that the early years are getting so much attention — but we would be fooling ourselves if we thought that a positive start in the early years was an inoculation for life. Research shows that while early gains continue into school years they begin to dissipate if there isn't further support, with particular risk points at the ages of eight and 10 and through transition into secondary school.
Much is known about the risk factors and indicators of risk for children during this stage.
Children are particularly likely to be vulnerable if their parents have a history of antisocial behaviour or involvement in crime. Large family size, poor parental supervision and disrupted families are also potential factors. We also know that problems don't manifest themselves overnight. Many issues around conduct and aggression begin to emerge between the ages of seven and 13 and escalate over time. That's why it is so important that early identification of need does not stop when children start school.
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