The SHANARRI wellbeing indicators are grounded in a strong body of research around child development, outcomes and early intervention. While SHANARRI provides a practical framework for professionals, it is supported by decades of evidence showing what helps children and young people thrive.
Understanding this evidence is important for anyone applying SHANARRI in practice, particularly when making decisions about support, intervention and long-term planning.
The Foundations of Child Wellbeing Research
Research into child wellbeing consistently highlights that outcomes are shaped by a combination of factors. These include:
- Physical and mental health
- Relationships with trusted adults
- Stability and environment
- Access to education and opportunities
- Participation and sense of belonging
The SHANARRI indicators reflect these areas, providing a structured way to assess them within a single framework.
What the Data Shows in Scotland
Data across Scotland highlights both progress and ongoing challenges in supporting children and young people.
Key findings include:
- A persistent attainment gap for looked-after children
- Rising concerns around mental health and emotional wellbeing
- Higher rates of exclusion and disengagement for vulnerable groups
- Inequalities linked to poverty and access to services
These findings reinforce the need for a consistent approach to understanding and supporting wellbeing.
Why Evidence-Based Practice Matters
Applying SHANARRI effectively requires more than understanding the indicators. It requires using evidence to inform decisions and ensure that support is targeted appropriately.
Evidence-based practice helps professionals:
- Identify what is working and what is not
- Understand patterns in behaviour and wellbeing
- Make informed decisions about intervention
- Demonstrate the impact of support over time
Without consistent evidence, it can be difficult to assess whether outcomes are improving.
The Challenge of Building an Evidence Base
One of the key challenges organisations face is building a clear and consistent evidence base for each child or young person.
This can be difficult when:
- Information is recorded across multiple systems
- Observations are not linked to wellbeing indicators
- Data is difficult to access or interpret
- Reporting is time-consuming and inconsistent
These challenges can limit the ability to use evidence effectively in practice.
Strengthening Evidence Through Structured Recording
To address these challenges, organisations need to ensure that information is recorded in a way that supports analysis and understanding.
Geco Connect helps by organising observations within the SHANARRI framework, allowing professionals to build a consistent evidence base over time. This supports clearer insight into wellbeing, strengthens decision-making and makes it easier to demonstrate outcomes.
It also allows leadership teams to see patterns and trends across services, supporting more strategic planning.
Supporting Better Outcomes Through Insight
The ultimate goal of SHANARRI is to improve outcomes for children and young people. Evidence plays a critical role in achieving this.
When organisations are able to:
- Record information consistently
- Analyse patterns over time
- Respond to emerging needs
- Demonstrate progress clearly
they are better equipped to provide effective, outcome-focused support.
See SHANARRI in Practice
If you would like to see how organisations are building stronger evidence and insight through the SHANARRI wellbeing indicators, Geco Connect can help.
Book a demo to see how it works in practice.