Learner Record 8

Learner Record Entry 8

Maintain a quality ECCE environment that complies with relevant regulations and standards

All workers in a pre-school must take reasonable measures to safeguard the Health, Safety and Welfare of children attending the service.  They need to comply the Child Care Act 1991 Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 and the Child Care Regulation (The Child Care Act 1991 – Early Years Services – Amendments) Regulations 2016.  To promote a culture of compliance with the Regulations, the Child and Family Agency will work with the service providers at its partner.  It is the main purpose of this legislation to improve the quality of early childhood care and education (ECCE) service in Ireland.  As practitioners we must comply to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the children in our care as set by regulations as a standard care practice.  This means that each child’s learning, development and well-being is facilitated within the daily life of the service through the provision of the appropriate opportunities, experience, activities, interaction, materials and equipment.

In my setting children first learn to interact with others, engage in early learning and language development and experience in a school-like environment.  As we all know each child is an individual and their development needs may vary and I feel the most important thing as a childcare provider keep in mind the children’s well-being.  It is our role as childcare worker to identify those needs and provide the children with the best possible start of education.  In promoting their overall holistic development, as a childcare we need to provide a caring and simulative environment.  Through interaction, observation and planning play opportunities for children this holistic development can be achieved.  Through play, children develop skills that they will need throughout their lives such as making decisions, problem solving, communication with each other, self-esteem and understanding different culture, background among others.

In my setting they ensure that all the rights of children are observed which I believe they do deserve the best possible start in life that’s in line with Siolta standards. Being aware of the policies and procedures in my placement and ensuring all staff familiar, understand and comply to such.  When working with the children, each day we incorporate them into our daily routine and curriculum.

To promote the highest quality for the children into our care, we work under the guidelines of Siolta and Aistear.  All staff are FETAC Level 6 in child care and continue to updates its staff when new regulations arises to ensure to meet all the regulation guidelines.  In my placement they offer quality service and provide families and childcare the best service they could give by employing qualified staff and fully compliant with the pre-school regulation guidelines.

All staff need to be warm, caring, attentive and respectful towards children’s needs aside from being a qualified childcare worker.  I feel it is important to be able to relate to children, parents and other members of staff and have a good communication skill.  To be observant and assertive when dealing with behavioural issues or any other matter within the setting is also important.  Starting doing my observation, care and education routine in my setting, I feel that I discovered some of my skills and I become more confident in my own ability.  Getting a Garda vetting was also important as parents need to know that their children are in safe hands.  It is my duty as a childcare worker to protect children from any harm.  Garda clearance is required to all staff working in the pre-school setting.  We can report to the play leader who is designated persons in the service when there is concern and issues within the service.

Currently there are 100 children attending its services on a daily basis, aged from 2 months up to primary school age and employ 21 staff.  There are 2 employees through the CE Scheme and 2 TUS employees.   Having sufficient adult and child ratio, it is important to achieve the highest quality care for children, as this age children can be very active and need a lot of observation, interaction and support to meet their needs.  In my setting they maintain the appropriate adult and child ration in line with the child care legislation (see last page adult/child and space ratio: 2016-2017).  I feel this is why the quality of the service is inline with the pre-school regulations. 

Although in my setting I did not saw a Mission Statement but it set goals to care children in all ages with their parents and always strive to provide them with a home away from home care which they achieved since there are a lot of a very good feedback that can be read on their website (http://greenfieldschildcare.com/) One parent says, “My child thoroughly enjoys their time at Greenfields.  if they are happy, so am I!” and others says “Extremely happy with all aspects of Childcare, Staff and Management.  Very professional and helpful.  Greenfields has been extremely beneficial in our child’s development, great foundation for Primary School; Excellent – above standard levels in the Playground and Internal Buildings.  This shows that Greenfield committed to the ethos of the centre, treating each child with utmost respect, valued as an individual and encouraged to reach his/her own maximum potential and most especially comply will all the legislation and regulations in all aspects.