1. Unit 5: Working with Parents and Others in Early Years
Teacher notes (PS 1):
It is imperative that early years workers learn to work with parents, colleagues and other professionals, which is why a whole unit has been dedicated to this subject. By the time learners have completed Unit 5, they should have a good understanding of the importance of collaborative working and the positive effect it can have on outcomes for children.
In this unit, they will learn about the role of parents in children’s lives and factors that affect parenting styles. They will also learn about parents’ rights and different views about childhood. This is important as they will need to appreciate that there are different ways of raising children. They will also learn about the role of other professionals in children’s lives. In this unit they will explore ways of working with parents, colleagues and other professionals and how to communicate effectively to develop positive working relationships with them.

2. Objectives By the end of the lesson you should have:
An understanding of the different professionals that work alongside families and children.
You should have begun to understand how they may or may not work together.
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3. Activity 1 Pick a category and research the relevant job roles.
You need to produce an information package for the rest of your class on the job roles in your category.
You need to cover the following areas:
the role of the professional you have chosen
use examples that show how your professional works with other professionals or families and children.
what are the benefits to children and families of professionals working collaboratively.
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4. Homework: Jobs and Peter Connelly
Finish job role and to Jade or print off and give to Jade.
Find out about the Peter Connelly case by carrying out an internet search:
Why was the public shocked by the case?
Why is this a good example of a breakdown in cooperative working?
Now list as many benefits and challenges of working cooperatively as you can (p ) in text book might help.
You have 2 weeks as next week is the exam so no lesson!
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5. Issues Around Information Sharing
Cooperative working requires good communication and the sharing of information.
However, families have the right to confidentiality.
Therefore the following principles are normally
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