Unit 10 Supporting children’s development

Learning Outcomes LO2 Understand influences on children’s development. AC 2.1 Describe factors which may influence children’s development. AC 2.2 Describe how to support the development of children from birth to 7 years.

2. Understand influences on children’s development (2.1) Time: 15 mins Do you think there is anything that has happened in your life that has affected your ability to do well at school? Consider: Ill health Moving school Friends Bereavement Poor teaching Difficult home life.

2. Understand influences on children’s development (2.1) Factors which may influence children’s development There are many factors that could affect a child’s ability to develop and thrive. Some of these factors are biological – for example, health conditions. Other factors may be environmental – for example, a child’s home circumstances.

2. Understand influences on children’s development (2.1) Factors which may influence children’s development An example of a biological factor is if a child has a disability such as spina bifida – they may not follow the expected pattern of development. Spina bifida is a problem with the development of the spine and spinal cord, and this occurs during pregnancy. The severity of this condition will be a factor that may affect a child's physical development. Some children with spina bifida will never walk, while others have little or no difficulties at all.

2. Understand influences on children’s development (2.1) Time: 15 mins Identify any other health conditions that may affect a child’s development. For each on consider: Whether it is a long-term or short-term condition How it may affect development Whether it affects all areas of development, or just one or two areas. Examples: Asthma – short- or long-term; can affect breathing and ability to exercise Autism – long-term; can affect social and communication development Downs syndrome – long-term; can affect social, cognitive and physical development.

2. Understand influences on children’s development (2.1) Factors which may influence children’s development An example of an environmental factor is poor housing conditions. For example, if a child lives in a damp environment it may, in turn, impact on their health and development. The child may be asthmatic and this would be triggered by the damp. The child’s clothes may smell of damp, and this may affect their social and emotional development.

2. Understand influences on children’s development (2.1) Time: 15 mins You have a new 3-year-old child attending your setting. They live on the 7th floor of a block of flats, they have four siblings and their father is out of work. They are obviously well-loved and cared for, but how might this child’s home life impact on their development? Consider: Physical development Language and communication development Cognitive development Social, emotional and behavioural development. This is not a case of neglect, but rather, a case where a child’s home life and life experiences may affect their development. They may get little or no fresh air and exercise, and they may live in cramped conditions with little or no stimulation, which may affect their language and cognitive development. Their social skills may be affected because of the overcrowded situation.

2. Understand influences on children’s development (2.2) Supporting children’s development Practitioners will understand the expected pattern of child development, and this will enable them to plan activities that are age and stage appropriate. Practitioners will observe children, and this will identify if there are any concerns about a child’s development. Practitioners will work with parents/carers to meet the developmental needs of the child.

2. Understand influences on children’s development (2.2) Time: 20 mins Reflect on your own ability to support a child’s development. Consider: If a child struggles to put on their coat, what do you do? A child says ‘nana’ instead of ‘banana’, what would you say? If two children are arguing over a car and one child hits the other, how do you react? If there is a new puzzle on the table and a child is getting frustrated because they cannot do it, how would you help? If a baby is trying to get a toy that is out of reach, what should you do? Why is your role important in supporting children’s development? This activity reinforces the role the practitioner plays in supporting the holistic development of all children.

2. Understand influences on children’s development (2.2) Time: 15 mins What would you do if you were concerned about an aspect of a child’s development? Consider: Physical development Language and communication development Cognitive development Social, emotional and behavioural development Who would you discuss this concern with? What would your role be in supporting this area of development? Learners should identify the importance of discussing any concerns with a supervisor. They may be asked to carry out observations to support the concern. They may then have specific activities to support the area of development. Learners could use actual examples from the setting while maintaining confidentiality.

2. Understand influences on children’s development (2.2) Supporting children’s development Everything a practitioner does with a child can support their development. Sitting with a 6-month-old and playing peek-a-boo will develop their cognitive, language, social and emotional skills. Encouraging a 3-year-old to serve themselves at dinner time will support their physical, cognitive, communication, social and emotional development. Asking a 6-year-old to take the register to the office will support their communication, cognitive, social, emotional and behavioural development.

2. Understand influences on children’s development (2.1, 2.2) Time: 15 mins Create a poster to show parents/carers how interacting with their child at dinner time will support the child’s development. Consider: Physical development Language and communication development Cognitive development Social, emotional and behavioural development. Physical – co-ordination skills, serving, positive role models. Language and communication – talking about their day, modelling appropriate language. Cognitive – how many, how big, how much? Social, emotional and behavioural – manners, expectations, talking about feelings.

Summary There are many factors that can affect a child’s development. Biological factors include ill health and disabilities. Environmental factors include home life and living conditions. All adults can support the development of children through everyday activities and experiences.

Plenary Describe three factors that could affect a child’s physical development. Describe the role of the practitioner in supporting the behavioural development of an 18-month-old child. Explain one activity or experience that will support the cognitive development of a 6-year-old child.