Unit 2.1 An introduction to the role of the early years practitioner Session 3

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

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.

Collect your findings to feedback in to the group Group Activity.................................... In groups research what are ....... Data Protection Act 1998 Children Act 1989/ 2004. Collect your findings to feedback in to the group

So what is the current framework in place to support working with children 0 – 5 years of age ??????

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.

Over to you......................... 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 Write a list of what these may be with a brief explanation of what may be involved to feedback into the group.

These could have included ...................... 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.

So why are these routines important ??? 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.

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.

Explain your role ............... Fire drill Accident or illness Complaint from a parent/carer Concerns over a child’s health or welfare Confidentiality.

Re-Cap................... 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. Now to test your learning........................ Unit 2 session 1

Reflection upon Learning Outcomes......... 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.