THE TEAM AROUND THE CHILD: multi-agency working in the early years

This book is written by a number of contributors who are developing multi-agency working. It is written primarily in relation to early years and the development of multi-agency working for children's centres.

The introduction says the book gives a snapshot of how high-level policy objectives are actually working for families, and this is true. But while it is interesting to read, the chapters failed to address the real issues and were repetitive. The writers skilfully describe what they do, but fail to explain what new practitioners and managers need to be aware of when taking forward this massive agenda.

There are real challenges in taking forward Every Child Matters and massive cultural changes are needed. I did not feel that the book examined what these challenges are or how they can be overcome. It is clear that a shared vision is required, but it must be supported by leaders who work together to tackle staff's fears and anxieties.

Reference is made to the introduction of the common assessment framework, safeguarding being everybody's business and the need to develop solution-focused working. But again the book does not go far enough in explaining how these new ways of working can push staff out of their comfort zones.

This book is an easy read but I am not convinced of its value to policymakers and practitioners. There was little that would help a new worker or student understand the challenges they will face.