Qualification: NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator
Unit: Unit 2.5: Work in partnership
Learning outcome: Understand how to work in partnership
Assessment criteria: Evaluate partnership working in relation to: meeting children’s additional needs, safeguarding children, children’s transitions
The primary areas that Early Years practitioners will work in partnership with other professionals are in meeting children’s additional needs, safeguarding children and transitions. Each of these are discussed below.
Meeting children’s additional needs
Working in partnership with other professionals is essential when meeting the needs of children with additional needs. This could be a child that has a medical condition or developmental delay.
For example, a child that has a sensory impairment may require that the setting is adapted to meet their needs, or a child with a delay in their speech may need to practice vocalisation techniques with a practitioner.
By sharing information and collaborating with health professionals (e.g. Speech and Language Therapists), Early Years practitioners can ensure that children receive the best possible care and support.
Safeguarding children
Working in partnership with other professionals is also essential when safeguarding children.
For example, suspicions, allegations or disclosures of harm, abuse or neglect may need to be reported to social services.
By sharing information and collaborating with social care professionals, Early Years practitioners can ensure that children are protected and receive the best possible care and support.
Children’s transitions
Children’s transitions
Transitions can be a difficult time for both children and their families. Moving from one setting to another (e.g. from nursery to school) can be a big change, and it is important that Early Years practitioners work with the school to make sure that the transition is as smooth as possible.
By sharing information and collaborating with other professionals (e.g. school teachers, SENCO etc.), Early Years practitioners can help to make sure that children settle in quickly and feel comfortable in their new environment.