What to expect from childcare provision – This article aims to explore the role of the Childcare provider, key principles of safeguarding and how to identify and meet the needs of individual learning. Research has proved that behaviour could be learned from observation at an early age therefore it is important to consider the roles and responsibilities, be aware of safety legislation, code of practice, and know the boundaries.
Research and government funding will ensure access to childcare provision for all children, give parents peace of mind knowing their child enjoys the experience and prepare them for full-time education.
Early years childcare provision
Early years provision is the care provided through different sources of trained individuals in private nurseries, pre-schools, child minders and nannies. It can be a key element in early learning and lead to better developmental outcomes and readiness to learn.
High quality care is important in early years; however, Ofsted reports tell us this is not always the case. How can we ensure that the care received is to a high standard to benefit the child? Partnership working is a key factor in quality provision, strong leadership and dedication to organise and discuss children’s needs.
Communication plays an important role to ensure the service required can be delivered. It is important to discuss with staff individual needs of each child, any allergies they may have, and any other concerns. Documentation is important to ensure all staff looking after children are aware. To maintain a safe and supportive learning environment it is important to consider:
- Have a clear Mission statement.
- Clear aims and objectives
- Appropriate
- Accessible
- Friendly, supportive, express opinions
- Staff ratio and qualifications appropriate to the environment
- Safeguarding Policy
- Health & Safety Policy / Emergency procedures e.g., Fire, Risk Assessments, Infection Control. Lighting, equipment, ventilation
- Register and clear records with appropriate contacts.
Key principles of safeguarding
Safeguarding means to protect a citizen’s health, wellbeing and human rights enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. Safeguarding children means to protect from harm and promoting welfare of babies’ infants and young children as well as supporting new and expectant parents to meet the needs of their child.
Key principles of child safeguarding is outlined by the Care Act 2014:
- Empowerment
- Prevention / accountability
- Protection
- Proportionality
- Partnerships
Empowerment is allowing individuals as much freedom and power over themselves as possible giving support and promoting confidence. Preventing neglect or harm is the most important element of safeguarding. Prevention can be achieved by excellent foresight and planning. All environments must have policies and procedures in place for all to follow. Staff must be trained and understand legislation and be prepared to intervene when necessary to protect from harm. Proportionality in safeguarding means that intervention, support or investigation should be done with least amount of intrusion, the response must be correct as excessive reaction can sometimes cause more harm. Partnerships with other agencies will be effective for those involved to fulfil their roles – information shared, and actions coordinated will have the best effect. Everyone must do their part to safeguard vulnerable children and adults in the environment, safeguarding responsibilities must be well documented for all to follow.
Manager and staff
Leadership is important in all organisations. Up to date systems must be in place for staff to follow and reviewed as necessary. Lack of fair systems and structures can inhibit staff – motivation and morale may be depressed, have little responsibility or opportunity for achievement, some fear change and need more support and encouragement.
Qualities need to be a good leader includes:
- Be approachable.
- Respect others
- Boost self-esteem / confidence
- Lead by example / be a good role model.
- Be professional / act with integrity.
- Be open / honest / reliable / trustworthy.
- Agree ground rules / routine.
- Plan routine together / address individual needs
- Use variety of training / activities
- Link to code of Practice
Recruiting the right staff for the role is important – checks must be made, and support given when training, emphasising the ‘do’s ‘and ‘don’ts’s’. It is important to understand your role, work within the limits of your role and follow policies and procedures. Be fair, ethical, reliable, professional, avoid bad language and inappropriate touch.
Care Quality Commission Standard 3 believes staff training to:
- Develop teamwork.
- Helps communication /improves interpersonal skills.
- Understand policies and procedures.
- Be involved in the planning process.
- Participate in daily reports and staff meetings.
- Be an effective member of the team.
The Learning Environment
Social learning theory is learned from the environment through observational learning. Research proved behaviours could be learned from observation and limitations, therefore it is important to be aware of what goes on in the organisation, staff know their roles and responsibilities, respect for others and know the boundaries.
Every child is different – involving parents will enable staff to understand their needs and level of understanding. It is important to be aware of any medical concerns, allergies, or
developmental issues. Parents will expect the environment to be safe: equipment checks as well as emergency procedures to follow such as Fire or first Aid.
The Early Years foundation stage Framework is guidance to provide quality care. – the standards that school and childcare providers meet for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5. Ofsted carry out inspections of Ofsted registered childminders to ensure these standards are implemented. Communication and language, physical development, personal, social and emotional development are the prime areas of learning and development.
If there are any concerns with the child additional support can be considered such as Speech Therapist, or Special educational needs. Children learn at a different rate – the main characteristics of effective teaching and learning are:
- Playing and exploring – children investigate and experience things.
- Active learning – children concentrate and enjoy achievements.
- Creating and thinking critically – children develop their own ideas, make links and develop strategies for doing things.
Conclusion
It can be an emotional time for parents when a child leaves home for a short period of time and give responsibility to those in the childcare environment. It is important to reassure parents their child will be safe, well cared for and prepare them to mix with other children in a learning environment. Babies are born ready to learn, children love to learn from caring adults which can help their brain grow strong and give them a great start in life. (2023)
It is important the staff are approachable for any concerns the parents may have and are well trained and supported to give their attention to the children. The learning environment must be friendly to allow children to play and explore and allow them to develop at their own pace. Ethical and cultural differences must be considered and if there are any concerns enable parents to seek advice from the appropriate service.
Policies and procedures must be available for all staff to follow including safeguarding, health and safety, first aid procedures, complaints procedure and be updated as required. The Mission statement must be available to parents and understand the procedures to follow if there are any concerns.it is important to recognise the importance of early learning, mixing with other children and prepare them for full-time education in an enjoyable environment.
Early years childcare courses
Are you interested in learning more about Early Years? See some of our childcare courses below:
- Childcare Level 3
- Child Psychology Level 3
- Early Years Level 3
- Early Years Level 4
- Understanding Autism Level 3
- CACHE Level 3 Award in Childcare and Education Course
References
Care Act (2014)
Care Quality Commission Standard 3. (2023)
Childcare Aware (2023) Brain Building for childcare Programs.
Early Years Foundation Framework (2012)
