Reflective account
I think maybe an activity to show acceptance and respect would be good idea as there was a slight case of bullying with the chalk picture earlier in the week, which had the possibility of it escalating further if I hadn’t intervened in time. I could speak to the children about respecting each others differences and maybe have an ‘introduce yourself game’ so the children can get to know each other a lot better.
We could talk about respecting property in regard to the toy car in the toilet and how to behave appropriately, it might be a good idea to have a positive behaviour agreement with the children, and talk about things that are acceptable and un-acceptable at play scheme.
The peanut incident was quite tricky to avoid as the parent quickly pulled the nuts out , so it was hard to intrude unless I had good evidence something was going on, but as soon as I spotted the peanuts I quickly interrupted. We could think about doing something in our planning to avoid re-occurance, talk with parents and children or being ‘peanut aware’ as this will help to minimise the risks for children.
In regard to blocking of the fire exit, I think maybe fire safety training would be good; maybe a visit from a local fire representative, and a practice fire drill would be good practice.
We planned in advance the setting layout when we were expecting a child in the setting that uses a wheelchair, everything seemed to go really well so I cant see any need for improvement in this area, I Sensitively observed the child in everyday activities, identifying any barriers to participation in activities and experiences.
P1
List the main points the playworker should consider when creating a play space for children and young people.
Things we would consider before a session would include:
-Check heating and ventilation
-Set out activities attractively
-Maintain cleaning routines
-Check equipment for wear and tear
-Check lighting
-Follow all heath and safety requirements, (unblock fire exits, food hygiene, make sure doors and windows are secure)
-Adaptable for children with special needs/wheelchair use
-The equipment is of high quality and attractive
-Well maintained
-Play equipment would need to be up to date and to standards
The playrooms would need to be a good size
-Keep fire exits clear
-Have a designated safety area
-The setting would need to be inviting (i.e. bright, display children’s artwork)
P2
Identify a range of loose parts that children may choose to use in a play setting
-Shells
-Boxes
-Balls
-Hoops
-Logs,
-Sand,
-Leaves
-Re-used tyres
-A Branch
-Pasta
P3
Give one example that describes how the playworker can adapt the play space to meet the needs of an individual child
In my reflective dairy on Monday 27th of July we had a young girl come to the setting that uses a wheelchair, when the staff came to work that morning we assed the room space and made some adjustments to the tables allowing more space between the tables to allow easy access for the wheelchair. We made sure that the ramp at the entrance was easily accessible.
Where the setting are working with children with special needs, some adaption’s may be necessary to the environment because it is now accepted that children should not suffer discrimination in their care and education because of their disability.
P4
State how playworkers can minimise the risks for children when planning play.
-Use of hygiene routines/procedures (reduce illness/infection)
-Make sure play equipment is to standard/safe
-Maintain the building and all equipment
-Clean equipment regularly
-Check heating and ventilation
-Safety in mind
-Check lighting
-Consider layout
-Keep fire exits clear
-Areas are easily accessible
-Check allergy charts
On Friday 24th July, the children were building a tower with blocks infront of a fire exit, which is hazardous, so I had to intervene politely and ask them to move the structure from this area and explain that they are blocking a fire exit which is dangerous.
P5
Identify the key points to consider when balancing the need for all children
To experience risky play within the health and safety requirements of the
Play setting.
-Risk-taking increases the resilience, provides a challenge, develops confidence, helps children to develop their potential and gives children freedom without a security blanket
-We must ensure that our practice is in lie with the health and safety policy
-Consider the parents wishes and whether consent is required.
-Teach children how to assess and manage risk for themselves.
-Do not let the risks pose a risk or danger to the child/interviene
P6
Give examples of what a playworker needs to consider after a play session.
-What you could do differently and why?
-Consider the feedback from children/parents
-Reflect on what went well/not so well/keep a diary
-Identify any discrimination or incidents that happened
We could think about the bullying situation and maybe set out a themed game or talk to the children about respect, maybe a wall display about respect for each other, and maybe introducing children that don’t know each other very well.
P7
Describe how observing children and young people at play may contribute to reflective practice.
-Observations on children and young people will help us to improve practice
-Observing and reflecting should be ongoing and means of continually improving our practice
-It allows us to analyse and reflect what’s going on.
-Recording observations in a reflective diary can help keep a record of any changes in a child’s behavior or identify what they like/don’t like
-Listen to feedback from other play workers, children and parents about how children adapt
-Analyse our own performance by reflecting on what went well and what didn’t.
-It’s valuable to see things from other people’s point of view and it will help me to deal with constructive criticism
P8
Identify sources of help and information about further training and development for play workers.
Training:
-College courses i.e.: NVQ, BTEC Courses for child carers to improve skis and knowledge
-First aid training
-Lifesaving swimmer courses
-Food hygiene courses
-Child protection workshops
-Staff training days
Help:
-OFSTED
-NSPCC
-Social workers
P9
Provide information about how to promote inclusion when planning and supporting children’s play.
-Ensuring the needs of every child is met, regardless of their ability.
-Make sure all children can access all areas of the setting
-Have an 'anti-discriminatory' approach
-Make sure staff are aware of what they need to do to include a child into the day to day life of the play setting.
-Have an inclusive environment understanding that as individuals, children and adults alike all require some form of support.
-Show children respect and how to respect each other/help the children to feel valued
-Follow an equal opportunities policy
-Encourage all children to join and participate
-Have an 'anti-discriminatory' approach
- Plan activities in accordance with the child's learning needs
-Avoid Stereotyping
P10
Include relevant references and a list of resources that you used to support your work.
-Sure start:
-Skills Active www.skillsactive.com/playwork
M1
Explain how to bring children and young people’s play to an end through sensitive intervention.
-Avoid the children feeling frustrated that their play is ending.
-Good communication skills are vital.
-Negotiate with them to be able to continue with their play the next day (holding the play frame)
-Offer time warnings to children to bring their own play to a close.
-If a child starts an activity late, remind them at that point that their time is going to be limited.
-Show children and young people that we understand how important their play is to them.
-Avoid stopping play unless we really have to as children and young people don’t like to be interrupted unnecessarily.
M2
Describe how working with children and young people may affect play workers emotionally.
-Children can affect us in a positive and negative manner
-Interactions with a specific child may be upsetting or uplifting
-Emotional experiences could include a child’s disclosure of abuse,
-A positive emotion could be where a child achieves something for the first time
-Hospital play workers see children suffering
-It is good to discuss feelings with co-workers
-Children may want things we cannot offer
-We may become fond of our key-children, and then they leave us for a new setting
D1
Explain why reflecting on all aspects of your practice can help to improve your own play work practice.
Reflection will:
-To improve all areas of our practice
-Develops skills of risk assessment
-To help us through work problems
-To develop confidence and self esteem
-To identify my strengths and weaknesses
-To address issues before they become problems
-To improve the quality of service at our setting
-It will help us to become a confident play worker
-To help identify the strengths in our practice
-Reflection should ultimately be a positive experience.
- Reflecting may increase my professional knowledge
-Helps our skills for judgment, reasoning, intervention, interaction, reaction to/in situations
