Unit 2.1 An introduction to the role of the early years practitioner

Learning Outcomes LO1 Understand the role of the early years practitioner. AC 1.1 Identify the skills, knowledge and attributes required for the role of the early years practitioner. AC 1.2 Identify settings which provide early years education and care. AC 1.3 Describe the relationship between legislation, policies and procedures. AC 1.4 Describe the role of the early years practitioner in relation to current frameworks. AC 1.5 Identify everyday routine tasks which ensure a safe and stimulating setting. AC 1.6 Describe reasons for adhering to the agreed scope of the job role.

1. Understand the role of the early years practitioner (1.1) Time: 10 mins What made you decide to be an early years practitioner? Discuss with a partner and consider the following points: Your previous experiences Your skills Your relationship with younger family members and friends.

1. Understand the role of the early years practitioner (1.1) Skills and attributes Reliable Flexible Adaptable Inclusive Caring Patient Organised Motivated

1. Understand the role of the early years practitioner (1.1) Skills, knowledge and attributes Skills are things we can do and attributes are qualities or characteristics we have. As well as a wide range of skills and attributes, early years practitioners will need a good level of knowledge in many areas, including: Child development Observation and assessment Safeguarding and welfare Legislation, policies and procedures Working with others.

1. Understand the role of the early years practitioner (1.1) Time: 15 mins Look at the information on slides 4 and 5 and discuss how your own skills, knowledge and attributes will support you as an early years practitioner. For example: If I am organised this will help me because… By being caring towards children this will help me because… I must be reliable as an early years practitioner because… Learners should discuss how the skills, knowledge and attributes previously identified will be used in the role, and how their own skills will support them as an early years practitioner.

1. Understand the role of the early years practitioner (1.2) A range of early years settings There are many settings which provide early years education and care and they include: Crèche Toddler Group Playgroup Daycare or Day Nursery Nursery Schools and Nursery Classes After School Clubs Childminders. These can be statutory, private and voluntary.

1. Understand the role of the early years practitioner (1.2) Time: 15 mins Discuss your own experiences of different types of settings. Consider: Which settings have you had experience in? How long were you at the setting? What did you do while at the setting? How old were the children at the setting? Do you have younger family members who attend one of the settings? What are the main differences between the settings? Learners should discuss the key differences between settings, and could identify which type of setting they would like to eventually work in.

1. Understand the role of the early years practitioner (1.3) Legislation, policies and procedures Legislation are laws passed by Parliament, for example: Data Protection Act 1998 Children Act 2004. Policies give an outline of how a setting aims to comply with legislation, for example: Confidentiality Policy Behaviour Policy. Procedures give a detailed explanation of what to actually do in practice.

1. Understand the role of the early years practitioner (1.4) Current frameworks The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the standards to be followed for children from birth to 5 years. Early years practitioners are required to follow the EYFS to support the learning and developmental needs of all children, assess their progress and maintain the safeguarding and welfare requirements. Early years practitioners will also work in partnership with parents/carers to meet the holistic needs of the child.

1. Understand the role of the early years practitioner (1.5) Everyday routine tasks There are many everyday routine tasks that early years practitioners have to carry out to make sure the setting is safe and stimulating for babies and young children. These include: Risk assessments Checking equipment is safe for children to use Hygiene checks Security during arrival and departure at the beginning and the end of the day Planning activities to stimulate and challenge the children Meeting the individual needs of all children.

1. Understand the role of the early years practitioner (1.5) Time: 20 mins Discuss why each of the following daily routines are important: Checking the outdoor equipment before the children go out and use it Having a set routine for registering the children when they arrive and when they leave at the end of the session Planning activities that are age appropriate, challenging and stimulating. Consider the benefits to the child, the setting and describe the role of the practitioner for each of these daily routines. Learners should discuss how these daily routines can keep children safe and how they can stimulate children.

1. Understand the role of the early years practitioner (1.6) Scope of the job The scope of the job describes the range of duties an early years practitioner will be expected to carry out. Early years practitioners must know the limits and boundaries of their role and it is important that they observe these closely. Early years practitioners need to know what to do in a variety of situations, for example: Fire drill Accident or illness Complaint from a parent/carer Concerns over a child’s health or welfare Confidentiality.

1. Understand the role of the early years practitioner (1.6) Time: 15 mins Create a list of what you do and do not do in the setting, for example: I do sit with children at activities I do not shout at the children I do join in at circle time and story time I do not answer the phone Why is it important to know this information? If you have not yet started in a setting then consider what you should and should not do when you do start. Learners should identify their role and the importance of following guidelines.

Summary An early years practitioner will need a range of skills and attributes. There are many settings which provide early years care and education. Legislation, policies, procedures and frameworks will set guidelines for early years practitioners. Every day routines will ensure a safe and stimulating environment for children. Practitioners will need to know their limits and boundaries to ensure they carry out their job effectively.

Plenary Name three skills needed to be an early years practitioner. List three settings that provide early years education and care. Name four everyday routine tasks you will need to follow to help keep children safe.