What effect may illness and emotional disturbance have upon a child's learning and behaviour?

KE3

What effect may illness and emotional disturbance have upon a child’s learning and behaviour?

illness

Changes in a child’s behaviour can often be the first indicator that an illness is developing in their system. The child may be quieter than usual or might cry too easily, the child may be whining and clingy or just not want to play.

A child who has been sick for a long time and has been isolated may find it hard to interact with his peers again. When a child is fighting an illness he would find it hard keep up with his schoolwork. He may have to join a younger class when he returns to school. When a child is sick he may loose his appetite. If he has been sick for a long time lack of food would affect his growth and ability to concentrate.

Emotional disturbance

If a child has had an upset in his life (e.g. trauma, unreliable parents, being bullied, loss of a pet) he may feel angry at the world. He may find it hard to develop friendships because of his anger, or if he has become withdrawn.

He may not be able to concentrate at school. He may fall behind with his work and he may be disruptive in the class.

A child who is unhappy may become very withdrawn or may crave attention. In severe cases they may start to self-harm or develop anorexia or bulimia. Long-term starvation will limit the child’s growth and damage their organs.

KE5

Give details of some common food allergies.

An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system wrongly perceives a harmless substance to be a threat. Antibodies over-react and cause conditions such as: swollen lips, itchy rashes, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and nausea.

Common allergens include: cows milk – dairy products, nuts, eggs, wheat-based products, fish and shellfish, berries and fruit.

KE6

Why and how do children’s rest and sleep requirements vary in relation to age and individual needs? (Include ages 3-6mths, 6-12mths, 1-2yrs, 2-4yrs, 4-7yrs).

The sleep requirements of children will vary in relation to their ...

This is a preview of the whole essay

KE5

Give details of some common food allergies.

Common allergens include: cows milk – dairy products, nuts, eggs, wheat-based products, fish and shellfish, berries and fruit.

KE6

Why and how do children’s rest and sleep requirements vary in relation to age and individual needs? (Include ages 3-6mths, 6-12mths, 1-2yrs, 2-4yrs, 4-7yrs).

The sleep requirements of children will vary in relation to their age because the younger a child is, the more sleep he will need. Young babies grow and develop very fast they need a lot of sleep in order to do this. Toddlers and preschool children will tire very easily after exertion they will need either one or two sleeps through the day. Older children will only need a quiet rest time to recharge their batteries.

Sleep requirements will vary in relation to the child’s individual needs. E.g. a child who has been ill requires more sleep than usual.

Some children might need less sleep because they slept late in the day. Some children just naturally need less sleep than their peers.

Some children might need more sleep because their parents want them to stay up later at night with them. Some children might need more sleep because they have been awake through the night. Some might just be naturally sleepier than their peers.

KE9

Identify the benefits of rest/sleep or quiet times as part of the daily routine. How can these be used effectively within the children’s daily routines?

Sleep, rest or quiet times need to be part of a child’s daily routine because if a child spends all day running around or being busy, they will become tired cranky and unable to concentrate.

A young baby or toddler will have to follow his own body clock or family routine for his sleep routine. Older children 2 years plus can follow the routine of the setting. Story or TV time can be built into the routine between other activities. Rest or sleep time could be between lunch and afternoon play.

KE14

What are the health and safety policies, procedures and requirements in your workplace?

Phab day nursery strives to provide a safe, healthy and caring environment were children’s development can be promoted positively.

Staff-child ratios are adhered to in accordance with Social services recommendations.

Checklists are devised for hazard spotting and risk assessment.

The grounds are checked regularly for hazards. Gates are well maintained.

Toys and equipment are regularly checked for damage and cleanliness.

Toys and equipment conform to recognized safety standards and are age appropriate.

Rooms are checked regularly with regard to layout, temperature, light and ventilation.

The entrance door has a buzzer. Only known adults are permitted entrance.

Staff and children are familiar with the fire drill and this is practiced every 4-6weeks.

Fire fighting equipment is regularly checked and maintained.

One designated first aider is on duty at all times

First aid box is regularly checked and re-stocked as necessary.

Accident book is used as per regulations

All food is stored and prepared as per hygiene regulations.

Rubbish is managed hygienically.

Cleaning materials are locked away out of children’s reach.

Children are taught to wash hands properly before handling/eating food.

Children are taught to wash hands properly after using the toilet.

Parents are informed of any illness/incident, which relate to health and safety.

Refer to policy booklet for details.

KE22

What might be the benefits for children following the cultural practices of their families? How should you respond to the cultural practices of others?

Children benefit from following the cultural practices of their families because this is part of who they are. If a child’s cultural practices are ignored you will undervalue that child and his family. Breaking a cultural Taboo could cause a child and his family great distress, damaging them emotionally.

You should follow the cultural practices of all the children in the setting in a positive way so they will learn to respect each other. Children are less likely to bully someone for being different if they have been taught that other ways are as valued as their own.