The paper, Working with young children: divorce and separation, published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation in association with the National Early Years Network, said the routine and stability of early years settings can be crucial in helping children as they struggle with changes at home. Childcarers, the paper said, may find themselves looking after babies and children who show signs of distress such as feeding and sleep problems, aggressive behaviour or withdrawal. They may need to liaise with social services departments if a child is thought to be at risk, and oversee practical arrangements for getting the child to and from nursery, especially if there is a risk of abuse from one of the parents.
The paper quotes a nursery worker, 'We can't make it all right for the child or parents. We can't heal all the wounds. But we can be a safe place, with familiar faces and stable routines.'
The paper brings together case studies and research on the effects of divorce and separation on young children and how practitioners become involved.
'Working with children experiencing separation or divorce can be emotionally draining,' it says. 'Early years workers may have to observe the child's distress. This may be painful and makes good team support structures important. The back-up of colleagues and friends may be helpful in keeping children's prob- lems in perspective. For childminders, being part of a childminding network can provide this kind of support.'
The paper is available free from the JRF Communications Department, Freepost NEA10076, York YO30 6XN (01904 615905).