Unit 2.1 An introduction to the role of the early years practitioner Session 4

Learning Outcomes............ Be able to communicate to meet individuals’ needs and preferences. Identify reasons why people communicate. Explain how communication affects all aspects of own practice. Use communication methods that meet individuals’ communication needs and preferences.

Communicating with others.......... It is important that practitioners have good communication skills. Communicating with others is a vital way of information sharing and it helps build relationships. If practitioners did not communicate with others, then they would not be able to do their job effectively.

Links to professional practice...... How good is communication in your setting? Consider: How does important information get shared among the team, for example if a child is being collected by someone new? How do telephone messages get passed on? How do practitioners respond to children’s questions? Is there time for practitioners to talk to parents/carers at the end of the day? Why is it important to consider how a setting communicates with others?

Communication..............

Methods of communication It is important that appropriate methods of communication are used to meet individual needs and preferences of all children and adults. Practitioners may need to adapt how they communicate with others. There are a range of communication methods, and practitioners need to consider what they are saying, who they are saying it to, and why they are saying it in order to select the most suitable method.

Research ............... Some people may need to communicate in different ways. Research two different methods of communication to support those with individual needs. This may include: People with a hearing impairment People with a visual impairment Young children who have difficulty communicating People who do not have English as a first language.

Feedback from your individual research

Using your notes from the Independent research activity, identify a range of communication methods and describe when they would be used. Consider: Written communication Spoken communication Signs and symbols.

Test your learning ............ List three reasons for communicating with others. Name two different methods of communication. How would you tell a parent/carer about: A trip An accident An activity that their child did really well in. Unit 2 session 2 quiz

Summary .................. Effective communication is essential for an early years practitioner. There are a range of communication methods to suit individual needs and preferences. Practitioners need to be able to communicate with parents/carers, children, colleagues and other professionals on a daily basis