Q18	Understand how children and young people develop and that the progress and well-being of learners are affected by a range of developmental, social, religious, ethnic, cultural and linguistic influences. Download Q18 guidance (PDF)

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Teachers recognise the range of influences that affect the development, progress and well-being of children and young people. Understanding how children and young people develop and the factors that influence development helps teachers to improve learning and teaching.

It is important for teachers to have a full and accurate understanding of the needs of each learner so that they can deploy a range of skills to tailor provision in ways that challenge, promote achievement and secure progress. Children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities, learners from minority ethnic groups including those for whom English is an additional language, and those who might be at risk of underachieving depend on teachers and a range of other colleagues with specific responsibilities to monitor and manage their learning and provide them with the support that they need.