Unit 5 Understand how to work in partnership

Learning Outcomes LO1 Understand the principles of partnership working in relation to current frameworks when working with children. AC 1.1 Identify reasons for working in partnership. AC 1.2 Describe partnership working in relation to current frameworks.

1. Understand the principles of partnership working in relation to current frameworks when working with children (1.1) Time: 15 mins Do you enjoy being surrounded by other people or do you prefer to be alone? Consider: Trying something new for the first time Going to a music festival Dealing with a problem Going out for the day.

Working in partnership 1. Understand the principles of partnership working in relation to current frameworks when working with children (1.1) Working in partnership When practitioners are working in partnership it means they are working with others to meet the needs of the child. Working in partnership means that everyone involved can share their knowledge, views and opinions. Working in partnership will mean that the best possible outcomes can be achieved for the child. Working in partnership with everyone who works with or cares for a child will make sure there is continuity between everyone involved.

1. Understand the principles of partnership working in relation to current frameworks when working with children (1.1) Time: 15 mins Discuss why you may need to work in partnership with others. Consider: Working closely with colleagues within the setting Working with professionals from outside the setting The benefits to the child of partnership working The benefits to the setting of partnership working. Examples could include: Colleagues – better teamwork to meet individual needs Other professionals – advice and guidance from experts in the field, i.e. how to work with a child with autism Benefits to the child – holistic approach Benefits to setting – better teamwork, meeting individual needs, developing knowledge and skills.

1. Understand the principles of partnership working in relation to current frameworks when working with children (1.1, 1.2) Working in partnership The Early Years Foundation Stage identifies the importance of partnership working and states that it ‘underpins’ or supports children’s ability to be successful throughout the EYFS. Working in partnership includes working with parents/carers. There are many reasons for working in partnership but it is important that all information is shared effectively between all partners, as this will make sure that all children are safe, secure and developing well.

1. Understand the principles of partnership working in relation to current frameworks when working with children (1.1, 1.2) Working in partnership Practitioners may involve other professionals from outside the setting if they feel a child is not meeting their expected milestones. Partnership working can involve working with others to meet the specific needs of a child, for example a child who needs support to communicate with others.

1. Understand the principles of partnership working in relation to current frameworks when working with children (1.1, 1.2) Working in partnership Working in partnership can also involve working with others to discuss the progress of the child or to identify what the child has been doing while in their care. This is particularly important if a child were to be cared for by a range of people in any one day, as this will ensure continuous provision under the EYFS.

1. Understand the principles of partnership working in relation to current frameworks when working with children (1.1, 1.2) Time: 15 mins Lucy is 3 years old and attends your setting every morning. Lucy is brought to the setting by her mother, and at lunchtime, a childminder collects her. Lucy stays with the childminder until she is picked up at the end of the day. Lucy visits a physiotherapist regularly as she needs support when walking. Consider: How could information be shared between everyone who works with Lucy? What information will need to be shared? How will partnership working support Lucy’s development? Learners could discuss: The use of a home/school book or diary Team meetings The setting meeting directly with the physiotherapist Information to share: changes in how Lucy walks, appointments, how to support Lucy, changes in Lucy’s walking Partnership working will meet holistic needs, support continuity and support teamwork.

1. Understand the principles of partnership working in relation to current frameworks when working with children (1.1, 1.2) Working in partnership Practitioners will have to work closely with others when preparing children for transitions. Transitions could include: Moving from nursery to reception Moving house Change at home, such as a new baby.

1. Understand the principles of partnership working in relation to current frameworks when working with children (1.1, 1.2) Time: 15 mins Discuss why it would be important to work in partnership and who you would need to work with in order to support children through a range of changes in their lives. Consider: Moving up to ‘big school’ A child who is new to the setting and new to the country, and joins partway through the term A 4-year-old only child who now has a baby brother. Moving up in school – parent/carer, key worker, new class staff – discuss targets, development, likes and dislikes. New child – parent/carer, interpreter, 1:1 support worker, parent/carer support group – the child may be shocked by the change, they may have little or no English, the child may not know anyone, so 1:1 support will help the child to feel safe and secure. A new baby brother – parent/carer, key worker – give lots of time to the child and keep up to date with progress of the baby in case there are concerns that then impact on the child in the setting. It is important to discuss sharing information, listening to any concerns, referring on to other professionals if there are any worries, and meeting the individual needs of the child.

1. Understand the principles of partnership working in relation to current frameworks when working with children (1.1, 1.2) Working in partnership The EYFS supports transition to Key Stage 1. Practitioners will complete an EYFS profile for each child and this will support Key Stage 1 staff to plan for the individual needs of the child. Working in partnership will support a smooth transition and this will help each child feel safe, secure and happy.

1. Understand the principles of partnership working in relation to current frameworks when working with children (1.1, 1.2) Time: 15 mins Research who may work in partnership to support the individual needs of the child. Consider: Safeguarding – protecting children from harm Individual needs – supporting a child who is deaf Supporting children through change and transition – a family moving house and the child starting in a new setting. Create a list of professionals and briefly identify when they would be involved in partnership working. Examples could include: Key worker – safeguarding, risk assessments, transition, meeting individual needs CPO – safeguarding, liaising with appropriate organisations Speech and language therapist – supporting the child to communicate, training staff, supporting parents/carers Parents/carers – information sharing, training, advice.

1. Understand the principles of partnership working in relation to current frameworks when working with children (1.1, 1.2) Time: 15 mins How you would explain the benefits of working in partnership to a parent/carer whose child has special needs? Consider: Parent/carer wishes The need for working in partnership How parents/carers may feel about meetings with other professionals The benefits to the child. Examples could include: Listening to parents/carers’ concerns Making meetings non-threatening Being supportive to parents/carers Introducing the need for other professionals in a sensitive, non-judgmental manner Explain how the child will benefit and develop when working with other professionals.

Summary Working in partnership will benefit the all-round development of the child. Working in partnership will help practitioners to fully support the child within the setting. Working in partnership will allow everyone to share their views and opinions on how to meet the needs of the child.

Plenary Describe two benefits of working in partnership. Why is it important for parents/carers to be involved in partnership working? Name three other professionals who may be involved in partnership working.