1. Understand the principles of professional development
1.1 Explain the importance of continually improving knowledge and practice. it is very important for me to continually improve my knowledge to ensure that I am fully up to date, and follow all of the current legislation and Ofsted standards, as well as the guidelines for good practice, as well as ensuring that I follow my company’s own policies and procedures, by keeping abreast of changes to the EYFS, safeguarding and the SEND code of practice.
It is also vital that I pass on any new knowledge that I gain on to the team, as this in turn provides them with the up to date information in order for them to carry out their roles and responsibilities effectively. This can be done during staff meetings, as well as on a day to day basis. This will lead to a better understanding of Ofsted requirements.
Learning is a way of gaining new skills and it enables me to progress in my role as deputy manager, room leader and nursery teacher within the setting. Personal and professional development not only benefits me, but also the company and my colleagues.
Continuous professional development is important for my career; I feel that it increases my employability. As deputy manager I am responsible for others including staff members, students and the children in the setting, as well as the families of the children who use our nursery. Therefore it is most important to me that I am knowledgeable and effective in my role.
Passing on my knowledge will enable staff to support children’s learning successfully because they will have high expectations of what children can achieve and a secure knowledge of how children can learn best.
1.2 Analyse potential barriers to professional development.
In my setting, as in others I have worked in, the main barrier to professional development is funding and being able to release staff to attend courses. As staff work to tight ratios it is difficult to be able to have spare staff to