award-winning child development apps for care sector is a massive success

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Rachael Rooney, Senior Marketing Executive

Developed by NISCC – in partnership with Learning Pool, Ulster University, Queen’s University Belfast and other key partners from the education and employment sectors – the child development apps are the first of a kind in Northern Ireland and recent winners of the Best Human Services App Award 2017. Colum Conway, NISCC Chief Executive said: “We are over the moon with this award and with the uptake of the Child Development Apps and the positive feedback we have received from users. 

Developing the apps was our first step into mobile learning solutions. Our care sector is operating in a digital environment and these apps present a cost effective method of delivering peer reviewed educational material to care professionals, right when they need it.”
Paul McElvaney, Learning Pool CEO said:“We’re delighted that we could be a part of such a worthwhile project. Delivering this learning to thousands at the press of a button was first of its kind in Northern Ireland, and the usage shows that using technology works in health and social care to improve outcomes for those involved”. The three Apps – child development 0-7 years, 7-12 and 13-18 years – enable health and social care practitioners, and parents, to download information on developmental milestones: including typical and atypical social, cognitive, language and physical development.

Excellent peer reviewed knowledge is provided by the apps, with easy access to personalised learning, concise information and high-quality content. Which links to more detailed sources, as and when needed.This prestigious accolade was awarded by non profit company, husITa, who are dedicated to promoting the ethical and effective use of IT to help make global positive changes

Focusing on three core areas – information technology, human services and social development – the apps greatly impressed the judges.

A key feature of the app design ensured care professionals have continuous access to high quality information on child development when they need it.

The child development apps can be downloaded free of charge from Google Play and Apple App/iTunes.

Visit the mobile apps section of the NISCC website to find out more and to view the full suite of apps developed by NISCC and Learning Pool.

• For further information on this news release, please contact Andre McKeown Communications Officer on 028 9536 2937.
• The Northern Ireland Social Care Council is a non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.  It was established under Section 1 of the Health and Personal Social Services Act (NI) 2001 and came into operation on October 1 2001.
• NISCC is responsible for the registration of social workers, social care workers and social work students; and for promoting high standards of conduct, training and practice in the workforce to increase public protection.  NISCC approves and regulates social work education and training at qualifying and post qualifying levels.
• The Council is comprised of 12 members appointed by the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety.  Membership includes a range of interests, including one third lay people (users of services, carers and members of the public), one-third registrants and one-third other stakeholders (employers, unions and professional associations).  Chair of the Council is Mr James Perry and NISCC Chief Executive is Mr Colum Conway.