Attending to Children

Margaret Crompton’s degree in English Literature (Leeds University) and post-graduate qualifications (Bristol University, London School of Economics, Home Office Letter of Recognition in Child Care) have equipped her for a lifetime of varied opportunities and experience. In social work, she was assistant warden of a Settlement in London’s East End, then childcare officer and senior in Leeds Children’s Department, and the first childcare advisor in the new Social Services Department; later, in Lincolnshire, guardian ad litem, and specialist developing life-story work.As a lecturer in Social Work in two universities, (Bradford 1972–4; Newcastle upon Tyne 1974–9), she initiated courses on direct work with children. Respecting Children developed from realising that while her husband, John, was training education students to teach pupils, the nearby hospital was treating patients, and her students were concerned with children in trouble or in care – clients. Three roles: one child. Respecting Children focuses on communication, rather than settings, symptoms or issues.A government commission to prepare training materials for social workers led to a new focus, her book Children, Spirituality, Religion and Social Work. As an independent consultant, other commissions enabled her to pioneer ideas and practice about children’s spiritual well-being within social work and care, health/medical services, and education.

Original Reviews of Attending to Children:'Attending to Children is rich with insights into the world of the child and is full of suggestions which will be of immense value to anyone who is new to the child care field or contemplating working with children...a book which could be read by a practitioner, by a foster parent, or by anyone concerned with the day-to-day care of children.' Celia Doyle, Social Work Today (1991)'The keynote of Margaret Crompton’s book is sensitivity to children’s feelings...Because she is concerned to promote the child’s sense of identity and self-esteem, Margaret Crompton correctly perceives that the whole child is important...' Morag Owen, British Journal of Social Work: Special Child Care Issue, Vol 21 (1991).

• 1.How to Love a Child 2. Look Up From Despair 3. Beginning with Ending 4. Begin at the Beginning 5. From Fear to Trust 6. Speak the Truth in Love 7. I Know What You Mean 8. Be Here Now 9. Talking Without Words 10. Everyminute Communication. Conclusion.