unit 1 basics

nursery

who does early years practicioner work with

0-5 years, babies and young children

what are three responsibilities of an early years practitioner

keep children safe, work with families and follow policies and procedures

what does an early years practitioner help children do

stay safe, feel cared for, learn ,play and develop

what is the role of an early years practioner

to support childrens safety,care,learning and development

why is it important to recognise individual childrens needs

children develop at different rates and may need different support

why must we follow policies and procedures

to work safely, appropriately and consistently

how can we support childrens development

offer suitable activities,play,observation,individual support

what is a day nursery

a setting where children are cared for safely while their parents/carers are busy. we also support childrens play,learning and development.

what is a pre school

a setting providing early years education and care for young children before they start school supporting their learning, development and skills.

what is a childminder

childcare provided in a home setting

why is partnership working important in early years

it helps us to understand childrens individuals need and provide consistent support by working with parents/carers/colleagues and professionals.

Where can you find policies and procedures?

In the setting’s policies/procedures, usually digitally or in a staff folder.

Name factors that can affect communication.

Age, language, hearing, emotions, culture, environment and additional needs.

What does CPD stand for?

Continuing Professional Development.

Give examples of CPD.

Training, safeguarding courses, first aid, feedback and reflection.

How can a practitioner demonstrate CPD?

Complete training, apply what they learn and reflect on their practice.

Why is CPD important?

t keeps practitioners knowledgeable, skilled and able to provide good practice.

What is the main idea of Unit 1?

Keep children safe, support development, communicate, work with others and keep learning.

What is Makaton?

• A communication approach using signs, symbols and speech to support understanding and communication.

What environmental factors can affect communication?

• Noise, poor lighting, distractions and a busy environment.

A calm, suitable environment can help children hear, understand and communicate.

How can emotions affect communication?

Anxiety, fear or frustration can make it harder for a child to express their needs.

How can a practitioner support an upset child to communicate?

Stay calm, reassure them, listen and give them time to respond.

Name three social factors that affect communication.

Language differences, culture and relationships.

How can a practitioner support a child who struggles with English?

Use simple words, pictures, gestures and facial expressions.

Name three physical factors that can affect communication

Hearing difficulties, speech difficulties and visual difficulties.

How can a practitioner support a child with hearing difficulties?

Get their attention, face them when speaking and use visual support.

: What does “the voice of the child” mean?

Listening to and taking account of a child's wishes, feelings, ideas and preferences

Why is the voice of the child important?

It helps children feel valued, builds confidence and supports their learning and development.

How can a child express their views without speaking?

: Through gestures, facial expressions, pointing and behaviour.

What is parent and carer engagement?

Working with parents and carers to support a child’s care, learning and development.

Give two ways practitioners engage with parents and carers.

Share information about the child and listen to parents’ concerns

Why is parent and carer engagement important?

It helps adults work together consistently to meet the child’s needs.

What is reflective practice?

Thinking about your practice to identify what went well and what you could improve.

Why is reflective practice important?

It helps practitioners improve their skills and the quality of care and learning they provide

example of reflective practice in a nursery.

1. Think: Why might the child have struggled?

2. Evaluate: Were my instructions clear? Was the activity suitable?

3. Improve: Next time, I could use pictures or demonstrate the activity first.

Why is CPD important?

It keeps knowledge up to date and helps practitioners improve the care and support they provide.

Give three examples of CPD in an early years setting.

Training, learning Makaton and using feedback to improve practice.

How can an Early Years Practitioner demonstrate CPD?

Record training, use feedback, apply new learning and set development goals.

Why should practitioners record their CPD?

To show what they have learned and how they are developing professionally.

Give an example of applying CPD in practice.

Using knowledge from safeguarding training to follow the setting’s safeguarding procedures.

What is feedback?

Information about your performance and how you can improve

What is mentoring?

Guidance from a more experienced person to help you develop.

What is supervision?

It helps identify development needs, set goals and explore career opportunities.

What is a development goal?

A target for improving your professional knowledge, skills or practice.

How can a practitioner work towards a development goal?

Identify a need, take action, seek feedback and review progress.

How can development goals support career progression?

They help practitioners build skills and prepare for future roles.

How do CPD and reflective practice work together?

CPD builds knowledge and skills; reflection helps you evaluate and improve their use in practice.

the way you communicate should match the child’s age, development and individual needs.

• Babies: Use gentle tones, eye contact, facial expressions and simple words.

• Toddlers: Use short, clear sentences, gestures and demonstrations.

• Older children: Use more detailed language, ask open questions and give them time to explain their ideas.

• Children with English as an additional language (EAL): Use pictures, gestures, simple words and visual routines.

• Children with delayed speech: Give them time to respond, use visual choices and work with the setting’s SENCO or other relevant professionals when needed.

How does communication support children's learning?

It helps children understand instructions, ask questions and learn new skills.

How can a practitioner reduce communication barriers?

Use clear words, reduce distractions and adapt communication to individual needs.

What is a working relationship?

: A professional relationship focused on work responsibilities and children's needs.

What is a personal relationship?

relationship based on private connections, such as friendship or family.

What is a statutory service?

A service provided under legal duties.

What is a non-statutory service?

A service not required in the same way by law, such as some charity services.

Give three examples of evidence of CPD.

Training certificates, reflective records and feedback.

Why keep evidence of CPD?

To record learning, demonstrate progress and identify future development needs.

What does it mean to extend children's learning through communication?

Using communication to build children's knowledge, language and thinking.

Give two ways to extend a child's learning through communication.

: Introduce new words and ask questions that encourage thinking.

A child builds a tower. How could you extend their learning?

Ask how to make it stronger or what might happen if another block is added.

Why should practitioners encourage different communication methods?

To help every child express their needs, thoughts and feelings.