Clear and purposeful documentation is essential when recording contact with families. Applying SMART principles helps ensure that your notes are not only accurate but also meaningful, providing valuable context if concerns arise later. Good documentation supports continuity, informs decision-making, and allows others to understand the rationale behind your actions.
This resource explores what SMART documentation looks like, not as a rigid template, but as a set of reflective prompts. Every family interaction is unique, and your records should reflect your professional judgment and style. The questions offered here are designed to help you think critically about your entries, ensuring they capture the purpose, actions, and future plans in a way that builds a coherent picture over time.
Rather than answering every question for each contact, use them as a guide to consider:
What happened? So what does it mean? Now what comes next?
Questions to consider
Have I included information which is Specific?
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What is the purpose of my contact and does it relate to the plan made at a previous contact?
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What did I see or hear that I think is important to record? What happened?
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Are there any concerns which need further action?
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What did I want to achieve?
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‘Who’ has agreed to do ‘what’?
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Am I following any protocols or guidelines which need to be referenced?
Have I included actions which are Measurable?
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Do I need to measure anything in the future or are all my objectives achieved?
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Where there are clear actions, have I recorded who is responsible?
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Where there are clear actions, how will I know they’ve been completed?
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What, how and when will I check?
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Where appropriate, how will I know a situation has improved?
Have I included actions which are Achievable/Realistic?
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Have I set clear objectives and does everyone know ‘who’ is doing ‘what’?
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What have parents/carers said about the plan?
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Have parents/carers committed to completing actions and do they think they can complete the actions they have agreed to?
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Do parents/carers think the action plan is achievable?
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Are there any factors which might make it difficult to achieve objectives?
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How have those complicating factors been addressed?
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Have you established what will happen if actions are not completed?
Have I included meaningful and realistic Timescales?
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What change would you expect to see and when would you expect to see it?
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What change would parents expect to see and when would they like to see it?
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What change would children expect to see, and when would they like to see it?
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Is there any guidance that you are using to support your expectations?
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When are you going back to review any change?
We have included questions which we think will support the completion of SMART records, but they are not exhaustive; you may have your own questions. If so, do let us know; we’re always keen to use more examples from practice.