Evaluation Purpose:
To determine the effectiveness of the pilot programme in meeting its short-term outcomes of identifying, building relationships with and supporting at-risk families of ECE children and to capture lessons learnt and identify ways in which the operation and targeting of the SWiECE service can be improved.
Background:
SWiECE (Social Workers in Early Childhood Education) is a pilot initiative designed to support at-risk families by embedding a social worker within early childhood education (ECE) centres. The service aims to identify families in need and provide timely, tailored support during the crucial early years of a child’s development.
Key Findings:
SWiECE placed a social worker in ECE centres to support at-risk families. The pilot met its goals, with families and staff reporting high-quality support. Flexibility and community connection were key strengths. Future focus should be on visibility, messaging, and integration with other services.
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