The Childcare Act 2006 is the first piece of legislation that is primarily concerned with Early Years and Childcare and introduces the early years foundation stage (EYFS) which supports settings in delivering high quality early education. In any childcare setting responsibility is the welfare and well-being of all the children in their care. All staff are appropriately trained and that procedures are put into practice to make sure that if any child may become at risk that you or your line manager liaises with other childcare agencies, such as health visitors, social services and Ofsted, in her role as Child Protection Liaison Officer (CPLO). Staff, childcare providers and child-minder’s, must be trained to recognize any signs of abuse and any concerns directed to the childcare setting will then be treated with absolute confidentiality. Any concern is discussed with the child if they are of appropriate age and with the parents/carer, the childcare provider would then hope to get their agreement in order to make a referral to social services via carrying out a Common Assessment Framework (CAF), unless it is felt the discussion would place the child at risk of harm.
As with the safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare section, many of the legal requirements will apply to some of your day-to-day activities, for example checking that toys are safe and that the outdoor environment is clean. Organisation – this is an important section within the EYFS as it relates not to the physical care aspects of working with children but to the promotion of children’s learning and development. Documentation – this section looks at the documentation and records that all settings should have. You need to read this as you are likely to contribute to these
Unit 4 E1 & D1 The Health and Safety Act 1974 Childcare Act 2006 Children’s Act 2004 COSHH Regulation 2002 RIDDOR 1995 The Health and Safety Act 1974 This legislation is important as it keeps everyone in a safe environment. There are policies and procedures set within all settings so that everyone is protected and know what to do in case of accidents or serious matters. There must be a ration of staff members to children depending on their age range. When joining a setting as a practitioner you will need a CRB check so that the supervisor knows that you don’t have a criminal record. This legislation is also about working with parents and other professionals and keeping everyone safe.
The case study is focused on a report made by a case worker to child protection services regarding a protection issue relating to the client’s child so is primarily focused on the wellbeing of a child. Therefore I have listed many legislations that are in line with this case study and the subject. a) Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 NSW This act affirms that children under the age of 16 and young person’s receive such care and protection as is essential for their safety, welfare and well-being, taking into consideration the rights, powers and duties of their parents or other persons accountable for them. (Learning Material, 2013) b) Health Administration Act 1982 (NSW) This act covers any information that is provided or recorded within the health system. It means that information cannot be disclosed without the consent of the person to whom the information relates or for the purpose of legal proceedings, such as a court order or subpoena that allows access to health information on a client.
The Children Act 1989 covers the following: Reforms the law relating to children Makes provision for local authority services for children in need and others Amends the law with respect to children’s homes, community home, voluntary homes and voluntary organisations Makes provision with respect to fostering, child minding and day care for young children and adoption, and for connected purposes. The act has also been updated with the introduction of The Children Bill which received Royal Assent on 15 November and is now The Children Act 2004. The government has placed great focus on children’s issues and worked hard to safeguard all children whether in the care of their family or being cared for. However following a catalogue of errors by Haringey Social Services between 1999 and 2000 the Victoria Climbie tragedy came to light. This led to Lord Laming compiling a report and guidelines which we now know as Every Child Matters.
We are achieving the principles and areas of learning in accordance with the eyfs 1.2 Analyse how integrated working practises and multi-agency working in partnership deliver better outcomes for children and young people * The professional partnerships between the outside agencies and us are paramount to the child’s growth and development. * An example of this is that if there is a child under social services, I would communicate with health visitors, doctors, and anyone who comes into contact with the child or parents. * It is vital that all parties communicate with each other to ensure child’s safety at all times. 1.3 Describe the functions of external agencies with whom your work setting or service interacts. * My setting interacts with multiple agencies, these
Working together to safeguard children 2006 - working together to safeguard children sets out how nurseries, parents and carers along with health care professionals, social services and other organisations can work together to help safeguard the welfare of children and young people. Vetting and barring scheme- the vetting and barring scheme was set up by ICS (independent safeguarding authority) their aim is to prevent children being harmed by preventing unsuitable people from working with children and vulnerable adults. At present due to the coalition some changes are being made to this system. Every Child Matters- the main focus areas for Every Child matters is early intervention, a shared sense responsibility, information sharing and integrated front line services. Every child matters believes that for a child to fulfil their potential, organisations, doctors, schools, nurseries and government agencies should help and
Projects such as the Effective Provision of Pre-School Education (EPPE) and Peers Early Education Partnership (PEEP) have been instrumental in highlighting the long term impact that high quality early years provisions can have on young children. “Communication in childcare is the one of the greatest ways to provide the best care for the child on both ends - for parents and providers. Not only is this the best way to provide the best possible care for the child, but it makes for a great relationship between parents and providers” http://www.myparentime.com/articles/articleS198.shtm Training and Development Practitioners have many teaching responsibilities to children, families and professionals. Using training and development helps to develop the skills, attitudes and practices of a competent teacher. It helps practitioners to provide new ideas and thoughts about practice and to feel confident about areas of work or knowledge that needs updating.
In UK all different legislations, guidelines and polices aim to protect well-being of children and promote their safeguarding. The Children Act 1989 This Act has changed the law regarding children safeguarding. Local authorities, courts, parents/carers are assigned with duties and responsibilities in order to promote welfare, safe and happy upbringing of all children. The Children ACT 1989 believes that young people get the best care within their own families and focus on supporting parents and carers. However if there are any allegations or suspicion of child abuse, it gives the local authorities rights to intervene.
Standard 1: Understand the principles and values essential for working with children and young people. Area of knowledge 1: Principles and values (a)Demonstrate that you care about the principles and values essential for working with children, young people, their families and their carers. As a residential care worker there are many ways in which I can demonstrate my recognition of the values and principles essential for my role. The most important one is to understand why “Every Child Matters” In my role I have already come into contact with some incredible children and young people. The resilience and strength of character I have been privileged to witness is inspirational.