How the Continuum of Need works

1. Overview

The Continuum of Need

This is a visual tool for services working with children and families. It provides a common language to describe needs and risks.

The Continuum of Need cannot replace professional judgement. It is not a checklist or an assessment of need.
A family’s position on the Continuum changes as their situation changes.
Consider which needs take priority when identifying the proper level.
Continuum of Need

Using the Continuum of Need levels and indicators

Examples of Continuum of Need Levels are below (not actual cases):

Level 1

Sam is 6 years old. He keeps asking his teacher to read out writing on the board because he can't see it clearly. The teacher spoke to Sam's mum, who then took Sam for an eye test. The next week, Sam started wearing glasses at school.

Questions to think about:

Do you have any concerns about Sam?
What help or advice can Sam’s parents get?

See level 1 indicators.

Level 2

Emma is 10 years old. She lives with her mum and older brother. Her mum works late. Emma told her friend that she often has crisps or biscuits instead of dinner, and her mum is always sad and crying. Emma never hands in homework, and the school finds it hard to contact her mum.

Questions to think about:

What are the worries about Emma?
Should the school do anything to help?
Who else should be spoken to?
What help or advice can to Emma’s mum get?

See level 2 indicators.

Level 3

Billy is 10 and goes to a special school. His teacher found him crying in the toilets. Billy said his mum’s new boyfriend often shouts at him and is mean when he drinks. His mum told him not to tell anyone.

Questions to think about:

What are the main worries about Billy and his family?
Who should be spoken to?
Is anyone already helping the family?
If you can, have you checked Single View?
What other help or advice can Billy’s parents get?

See level 3 indicators.

Level 4

Chloe is 14. Her parents split up a year ago after her dad hurt her mum. Her dad was found guilty. Chloe’s mum now has a new boyfriend. Chloe’s teacher noticed she has become very quiet in class. She is sometimes moody or angry and recently hit another student. Her mum has been seen with bruises, and Chloe said her mum’s boyfriend is not allowed to see his own children anymore. Other parents have said that Chloe’s mum’s boyfriend has a criminal record about children.

Questions to think about: