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: Explain the roles of others involved in partnership working when supporting children
As well as working in partnership with a child’s parents/carers, Early Years Practitioners will often work with other professionals. Some of these professionals are discussed below.
Therapists
Occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists and play therapists play key roles in supporting children with developmental delays or disabilities.
Occupational therapists help children develop the skills they need for daily living, such as dressing, eating, and playing. Speech and language therapists work with children to improve their communication skills, while physiotherapists help them develop movement and coordination.
Play therapists use play to help children understand and express their feelings. They may also work with parents/carers to help them understand their child’s behaviour.
These professionals work together to create an individualized plan for each child based on their unique needs.
Education Professionals
SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Coordinators) are responsible for ensuring that children with SEN receive the support they need to access mainstream education. They liaise with other professionals, such as therapists, teachers and health professionals.
When preschool children are moving to their first school, Early Years Practitioners will liaise with their new school teachers to ensure that they have all the information they need about the child and that the transition is as smooth as possible.
In addition, Early Years practitioners will work with other practitioners and practitioners in other settings (for example, if a child is transitioning to a different childcare provider).
Health Professionals
GP’s, nurses and psychiatrists also play important roles in supporting children with medical conditions, developmental delays or disabilities and their families. GPs can provide a diagnosis and refer children to other professionals, such as therapists or psychiatrists. Nurses can offer support and advice on managing medical conditions. Psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication if necessary.
Health visitors are also key partners in supporting families with young children. They offer advice on a wide range of topics, such as breastfeeding, sleep and behaviour.
Dieticians can also support children with specific dietary needs, such as those with allergies or food intolerances.
Social Workers
Social workers can support families who are experiencing welfare difficulties, such as poverty, domestic violence or mental health problems. They can also provide information about benefits and other services that may be available to families.