Childcare Level 3 Unit 1 Analysis
Unit 1
D1 Describe the purpose of one setting that is a statutory provision for each age range.
Setting 1. Sure Start for children under 5.
The purpose of a sure start centre is to provide a safe environment for a child whilst their parent is at work. Sure Start focus on a lot of children with a disadvantage, so they can still have the same opportunities as everybody else, no matter what they’re background or family circumstances D7(52)
Setting 2. Primary School
The purpose of a primary school is to teach children how to start reading, writing, spelling and simple maths. They also learn manners, and how to be a part of a class, and how to be in a group. Primary school sets the children up ready for their next step in life.D7 The curriculum …show more content…
the children do is compulsory, they have to do it, the government provide this.(68)
D2 Describe the purpose of one setting that is a different type of provision for each age range.
Setting 1 Day Nursery for children under 5.
The purpose of a day nursery is for parents that work and need someone to look after their child, in a safe environment.
The nursery would set out a number of different activities throughout the day. Activities such as, drawing or messy activity, outside play, where the children would normally have toys such as bikes or cars. Or simple activities like setting up a hairdressing station. A day nursery is a private provision as the parents have to pay to have their child there. The government don’t fund this. (89)
Setting 2 Badgers (After school club) for children aged 5 and 10
Badgers is an after school club for children aged between 5 and 10. It helps children develop on life skills, such as first aid, arts and crafts. They work towards an award at the end of it. They go through a process of getting different paws (awards) which they get from completing subjects. First it’s a membership paw, then a bronze paw, silver, gold and then a super paw. “A Badger becomes a super Badger when they have completed twelve subjects.” (St John Ambulance (2012) Welcome to Badgers (online) Anybody can go to badgers, no matter if they have a medical condition, or other problems such as money worries, children can still goD7
(69)
D3 Describe the work of a professional or an agency working with children
Nursery Assistant
A nursery assistant has a duty of care to every child they work with, they have to make sure the child is safe and happy at all times, and if there is some kind of problem then they need to inform the proper authorities if that is necessary. They also have duties such as cleaning, maintaining the environment for the children, interacting, and teaching. Also things like hygiene, making sure children wash there hands after the toilet, messy play or being outside. A nursery assistant also needs to inform parents if there is a problem with the child whilst they are at the nursery. Also, part of their job is to observe children, to see if they are getting on ok, to see if they are developing at the right stage. A nursery assistant has to play their activities with the children, so risk assessments on everything so the children are safe.(152)
D4 Describe how to keep information about children and families confidential
How to keep information about children and families confidential.
You can protect information in different ways. By making sure that if its paperwork only the appropriate people see it, and that its kept in a locked filing cabinet, in a locked room, only certain people have access. If the information is on a computer then the computer is password protected and in a locked room. If the computer or paperwork is in an office, and someone comes in then it is hidden straight away. Also all the staff in the setting should adhere to the confidentiality policy, they must not share information outside of the professional setting. (98)
D5 Explain how to prepare to work in a placement with children.
How to prepare to work in a placement with children.
To work in a placement, you need to prepare for it. If you go in unprepared the employer is not going to want to take you on. When you phone enquiring for a placement you need to organise an interview, so that they can get to know you a little and also so you can look around the place. Before you go to an interview, it is advised to research the company, so you know what they’re all about. Also, to wear appropriate clothes, something smart/casual. Always take your placement folder, always cover tattoos, tie long hair back if you’ve got it. If you have a lot of piercings, limit them so there aren’t loads of them. Doing all these things, make you look professional and wanting the job. (129)
D6 Give two different ways in which you can show that you understand the importance of valuing each child as an individual.
Example 1
Showing respect to the child, simple things such as going down to their level. This shows respect as it doesn’t show that they have to look up to you, they can just talk to you at their own level, at their own comfort.D7 (43)
Example 2
Promoting self-esteem. Self-esteem is important for every child; if a child doesn’t have self-esteem then they’re not going to have any confidence within themselves. When a child does something right they should be praised, so they know they’ve done right. A child is always happier when they have high self-esteem.D7 Children should always be encouraged to join in with their friends, and to take part in activities such as circle time.(71)
C1 Give two examples of when you should refer information about children and families to professionals in the setting.
Example 1
Confidentiality can be shared in some exceptional circumstances. If a child’s circumstances change. If they move, or if medications change. Especially things such as medicine or illness, because if a member of staff doesn’t know about this change that could put the child in danger by giving them old medication, or not knowing of an allergic reaction. Information needs to be kept updated for this reason too. Phone numbers for parents just in case something happens to the child. Staff always need to be kept up to date with any changes what so ever. (94)
Example 2
Another time that information can be shared if there is a cause of concern for the child. If the child comes up with bruises, burns, marks etc... Then the nursery, school etc... Have the right to tell social services. Yes, they have a duty of confidentiality but they also have a duty of care. They have to make sure that the child is safe and in a happy home environment. So if the child is being abused in any way and the staff have enough proof then the child’s information can be shared with the correct authorities. (97)
B1 Explain why the first impressions that you make in the setting are important
Why are first impressions important?
A first impression in any job is important, because the boss needs to know you’re not going to let them down and that you can be trusted in the setting. A first impression is also important because it’s normally the one that people see you as for the rest of the time they know you. To make a good first impression you need to show that you are reliable, hardworking, keen, that your time keeping is good, adaptable, appropriate clothing, friendly, and compassionate, that you can use your initiative, and follow instructions without any problem. They also need to know you can be trusted. Just little things like that make a good impression. If you make a bad impression then you’re not going to get the job, and if you do then start to slack, then they’ll just fire you. It’s important to give a good impression because they want to know your good with children, if you start a job and you don’t like children, then they’re going to pick up on it, so it’s important that you show you’re interested in working with children; and that you enjoy your job. (192)
B2 Explain suitable ways in which you can show positive attitudes when working in a childcare setting.
Suitable ways in which you can show positive attitudes when working in a child care setting.
Showing positivity is always important.D7 It gives children a trust barrier with you. They trust you because your kind, and being nice to them. The children aren’t going to be wanting to be around you if you’re being negative towards them, and giving off a negative vibe. Children need someone that they see smiling, and happy, that they know they can go to if they need help that will support them. Also; if you’re just sat in a corner and not interacting, then the children aren’t going to be able to get to know you, so they won’t bother with you. You need to show that you’re interested in the children that you care about what they want and need. And you can do this by simply listening to them. “Remember you’re a role-model and get stuck in!” (Child Care and Education Cache Level 2 (2008) Nelson Thomas, Page 10) By being on time and showing enthusiasm, it shoes you want to work within the setting, and with children. It shows you enjoy your job. Also, if you’re reading a book to a group of children and the tone of your voice is just boring and dull, then the children are going to get bored and go and do something else. By showing enthusiasm in your voice, and making the story interesting, the children will be intrigued by it, and be excited by it. By doing this it shows positivity to the types of jobs you have to do within the setting. (232)
A1 Explain the importance of keeping information about children and families confidential.
The importance of keeping information about children and families confidential.
Information about children and their families, should be kept top secret, it should never be shared with other people no matter what. It is so important, when a parent enrols their child in to a nursery; they expect that their child’s and their own personal details are not to be told to anybody else. They don’t want people knowing their home address, or home number. It’s a matter of safety too, if the information gets into the wrong hands, then that could lead to some serious issues for that family. Also, all the details should be accurate, if a child’s address changes, if a parent’s phone number changes; because if something happens to the child and the records are wrong, then the staff won’t be able to get hold of the appropriate adult. As well, if a child’s parents aren’t together, then the details of who is the first hand parent needs to be correct, the last thing a parent wants is to have the other parent collect their child from nursery when they aren’t meant to. There are times when personal information needs to be shared; this is normally when the staff of a nursery thinks that the child is being harmed in any way at home. If this does happen, then they have the right to tell the appropriate authorities, such as: Police, social services, hospital/paramedic/doctors. But this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Also things like newspaper photos, a parent has to sign a consent form to have their child in the photo, and to have their name in the newspaper. It is so important to have all the information kept confidential, because of all the reasons above, but also things like if you share someone’s information, and people find out, then the nursery is going to get a bad reputation, and people aren’t going to want to have their children there. They won’t trust that nursery. (320)
A* Reflect on the importance of recognise your own learning style and using this knowledge effectively in your studies.
Recognise you own learning style and use the knowledge effectively in your studies.
I know I am a visual learner. I prefer to see things being shown to me, or reading something right in front of me. That’s how I am best at learning. If someone gives me something such as origami without showing me how to do it first. Then I really struggle, I would either have to be shown it first or be given a piece of paper with a picture of how to do it, step by step. But I can pick things up really quickly, so normally after being shown once or twice I know how to do it. This could be very useful whilst working in child care, first starting. I would be shown how to do things on the first day and then I should be able to do it okay after that. This means the other staff members won’t have to keep repeating themselves, and worrying whether I’m going to do things right or not. I think it’s important to know the best way you learn, because it helps you a lot, because if you know you’re an auditory learner, you know you learn better by listening to a teacher. Plus if the teacher or if your boss knows this it makes it easier for them to teach you. It’s the same if you know you’re a visual or a kinaesthetic learner to. It just makes it easier for everyone around you. This is quite a good way to learn at college too, because if my tutor gives me a textbook I would happily get on with it. Because I learn better that way, rather than listening or watching. I am also very organised which means when it comes to my assignments or homework, I tend to put sticky labels on things saying what I have to do in bullet points. (305)
(2,011 words in total.)
Bibliography for assignment unit 1 * D2 St John Ambulance (2012) Welcome to Badgers (online) Available from: http://www.sja.org.uk/sja/young-people/badgers.aspx (8/11/12) * B2 Child Care and Education Cache Level 2 (2008) Beaver, Brewster, Neaum, Tallack, Walker, Page 10
D1 Describe the purpose of one setting that is a statutory provision for each age range.
Setting 1. Sure Start for children under 5.
The purpose of a sure start centre is to provide a safe environment for a child whilst their parent is at work. Sure Start focus on a lot of children with a disadvantage, so they can still have the same opportunities as everybody else, no matter what they’re background or family circumstances D7(52)
Setting 2. Primary School
The purpose of a primary school is to teach children how to start reading, writing, spelling and simple maths. They also learn manners, and how to be a part of a class, and how to be in a group. Primary school sets the children up ready for their next step in life.D7 The curriculum …show more content…
the children do is compulsory, they have to do it, the government provide this.(68)
D2 Describe the purpose of one setting that is a different type of provision for each age range.
Setting 1 Day Nursery for children under 5.
The purpose of a day nursery is for parents that work and need someone to look after their child, in a safe environment.
The nursery would set out a number of different activities throughout the day. Activities such as, drawing or messy activity, outside play, where the children would normally have toys such as bikes or cars. Or simple activities like setting up a hairdressing station. A day nursery is a private provision as the parents have to pay to have their child there. The government don’t fund this. (89)
Setting 2 Badgers (After school club) for children aged 5 and 10
Badgers is an after school club for children aged between 5 and 10. It helps children develop on life skills, such as first aid, arts and crafts. They work towards an award at the end of it. They go through a process of getting different paws (awards) which they get from completing subjects. First it’s a membership paw, then a bronze paw, silver, gold and then a super paw. “A Badger becomes a super Badger when they have completed twelve subjects.” (St John Ambulance (2012) Welcome to Badgers (online) Anybody can go to badgers, no matter if they have a medical condition, or other problems such as money worries, children can still goD7
(69)
D3 Describe the work of a professional or an agency working with children
Nursery Assistant
A nursery assistant has a duty of care to every child they work with, they have to make sure the child is safe and happy at all times, and if there is some kind of problem then they need to inform the proper authorities if that is necessary. They also have duties such as cleaning, maintaining the environment for the children, interacting, and teaching. Also things like hygiene, making sure children wash there hands after the toilet, messy play or being outside. A nursery assistant also needs to inform parents if there is a problem with the child whilst they are at the nursery. Also, part of their job is to observe children, to see if they are getting on ok, to see if they are developing at the right stage. A nursery assistant has to play their activities with the children, so risk assessments on everything so the children are safe.(152)
D4 Describe how to keep information about children and families confidential
How to keep information about children and families confidential.
You can protect information in different ways. By making sure that if its paperwork only the appropriate people see it, and that its kept in a locked filing cabinet, in a locked room, only certain people have access. If the information is on a computer then the computer is password protected and in a locked room. If the computer or paperwork is in an office, and someone comes in then it is hidden straight away. Also all the staff in the setting should adhere to the confidentiality policy, they must not share information outside of the professional setting. (98)
D5 Explain how to prepare to work in a placement with children.
How to prepare to work in a placement with children.
To work in a placement, you need to prepare for it. If you go in unprepared the employer is not going to want to take you on. When you phone enquiring for a placement you need to organise an interview, so that they can get to know you a little and also so you can look around the place. Before you go to an interview, it is advised to research the company, so you know what they’re all about. Also, to wear appropriate clothes, something smart/casual. Always take your placement folder, always cover tattoos, tie long hair back if you’ve got it. If you have a lot of piercings, limit them so there aren’t loads of them. Doing all these things, make you look professional and wanting the job. (129)
D6 Give two different ways in which you can show that you understand the importance of valuing each child as an individual.
Example 1
Showing respect to the child, simple things such as going down to their level. This shows respect as it doesn’t show that they have to look up to you, they can just talk to you at their own level, at their own comfort.D7 (43)
Example 2
Promoting self-esteem. Self-esteem is important for every child; if a child doesn’t have self-esteem then they’re not going to have any confidence within themselves. When a child does something right they should be praised, so they know they’ve done right. A child is always happier when they have high self-esteem.D7 Children should always be encouraged to join in with their friends, and to take part in activities such as circle time.(71)
C1 Give two examples of when you should refer information about children and families to professionals in the setting.
Example 1
Confidentiality can be shared in some exceptional circumstances. If a child’s circumstances change. If they move, or if medications change. Especially things such as medicine or illness, because if a member of staff doesn’t know about this change that could put the child in danger by giving them old medication, or not knowing of an allergic reaction. Information needs to be kept updated for this reason too. Phone numbers for parents just in case something happens to the child. Staff always need to be kept up to date with any changes what so ever. (94)
Example 2
Another time that information can be shared if there is a cause of concern for the child. If the child comes up with bruises, burns, marks etc... Then the nursery, school etc... Have the right to tell social services. Yes, they have a duty of confidentiality but they also have a duty of care. They have to make sure that the child is safe and in a happy home environment. So if the child is being abused in any way and the staff have enough proof then the child’s information can be shared with the correct authorities. (97)
B1 Explain why the first impressions that you make in the setting are important
Why are first impressions important?
A first impression in any job is important, because the boss needs to know you’re not going to let them down and that you can be trusted in the setting. A first impression is also important because it’s normally the one that people see you as for the rest of the time they know you. To make a good first impression you need to show that you are reliable, hardworking, keen, that your time keeping is good, adaptable, appropriate clothing, friendly, and compassionate, that you can use your initiative, and follow instructions without any problem. They also need to know you can be trusted. Just little things like that make a good impression. If you make a bad impression then you’re not going to get the job, and if you do then start to slack, then they’ll just fire you. It’s important to give a good impression because they want to know your good with children, if you start a job and you don’t like children, then they’re going to pick up on it, so it’s important that you show you’re interested in working with children; and that you enjoy your job. (192)
B2 Explain suitable ways in which you can show positive attitudes when working in a childcare setting.
Suitable ways in which you can show positive attitudes when working in a child care setting.
Showing positivity is always important.D7 It gives children a trust barrier with you. They trust you because your kind, and being nice to them. The children aren’t going to be wanting to be around you if you’re being negative towards them, and giving off a negative vibe. Children need someone that they see smiling, and happy, that they know they can go to if they need help that will support them. Also; if you’re just sat in a corner and not interacting, then the children aren’t going to be able to get to know you, so they won’t bother with you. You need to show that you’re interested in the children that you care about what they want and need. And you can do this by simply listening to them. “Remember you’re a role-model and get stuck in!” (Child Care and Education Cache Level 2 (2008) Nelson Thomas, Page 10) By being on time and showing enthusiasm, it shoes you want to work within the setting, and with children. It shows you enjoy your job. Also, if you’re reading a book to a group of children and the tone of your voice is just boring and dull, then the children are going to get bored and go and do something else. By showing enthusiasm in your voice, and making the story interesting, the children will be intrigued by it, and be excited by it. By doing this it shows positivity to the types of jobs you have to do within the setting. (232)
A1 Explain the importance of keeping information about children and families confidential.
The importance of keeping information about children and families confidential.
Information about children and their families, should be kept top secret, it should never be shared with other people no matter what. It is so important, when a parent enrols their child in to a nursery; they expect that their child’s and their own personal details are not to be told to anybody else. They don’t want people knowing their home address, or home number. It’s a matter of safety too, if the information gets into the wrong hands, then that could lead to some serious issues for that family. Also, all the details should be accurate, if a child’s address changes, if a parent’s phone number changes; because if something happens to the child and the records are wrong, then the staff won’t be able to get hold of the appropriate adult. As well, if a child’s parents aren’t together, then the details of who is the first hand parent needs to be correct, the last thing a parent wants is to have the other parent collect their child from nursery when they aren’t meant to. There are times when personal information needs to be shared; this is normally when the staff of a nursery thinks that the child is being harmed in any way at home. If this does happen, then they have the right to tell the appropriate authorities, such as: Police, social services, hospital/paramedic/doctors. But this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Also things like newspaper photos, a parent has to sign a consent form to have their child in the photo, and to have their name in the newspaper. It is so important to have all the information kept confidential, because of all the reasons above, but also things like if you share someone’s information, and people find out, then the nursery is going to get a bad reputation, and people aren’t going to want to have their children there. They won’t trust that nursery. (320)
A* Reflect on the importance of recognise your own learning style and using this knowledge effectively in your studies.
Recognise you own learning style and use the knowledge effectively in your studies.
I know I am a visual learner. I prefer to see things being shown to me, or reading something right in front of me. That’s how I am best at learning. If someone gives me something such as origami without showing me how to do it first. Then I really struggle, I would either have to be shown it first or be given a piece of paper with a picture of how to do it, step by step. But I can pick things up really quickly, so normally after being shown once or twice I know how to do it. This could be very useful whilst working in child care, first starting. I would be shown how to do things on the first day and then I should be able to do it okay after that. This means the other staff members won’t have to keep repeating themselves, and worrying whether I’m going to do things right or not. I think it’s important to know the best way you learn, because it helps you a lot, because if you know you’re an auditory learner, you know you learn better by listening to a teacher. Plus if the teacher or if your boss knows this it makes it easier for them to teach you. It’s the same if you know you’re a visual or a kinaesthetic learner to. It just makes it easier for everyone around you. This is quite a good way to learn at college too, because if my tutor gives me a textbook I would happily get on with it. Because I learn better that way, rather than listening or watching. I am also very organised which means when it comes to my assignments or homework, I tend to put sticky labels on things saying what I have to do in bullet points. (305)
(2,011 words in total.)
Bibliography for assignment unit 1 * D2 St John Ambulance (2012) Welcome to Badgers (online) Available from: http://www.sja.org.uk/sja/young-people/badgers.aspx (8/11/12) * B2 Child Care and Education Cache Level 2 (2008) Beaver, Brewster, Neaum, Tallack, Walker, Page 10