EYP 13 Partnership working in the early years
Partnership working in the early years is a key component of the Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner, particularly under EYP 13. This concept involves collaborating with various stakeholders—such as parents, carers, other professionals, and the wider community—to ensure the best outcomes for children. Effective partnership working is essential for holistic child development and for meeting the diverse needs of all children in early years settings.
Engaging with parents and carers is vital because they provide valuable insights into their children’s needs, preferences, and development. Consistent communication allows practitioners to align their strategies and support initiatives with the child’s experiences at home. This collaborative approach ensures that children receive a coherent and consistent experience, which is crucial for their emotional security and overall development.
Working with other professionals, such as health visitors, speech therapists, and social workers, is equally important. These collaborations help identify and address any developmental concerns or additional needs early on. By pooling resources and expertise, practitioners can develop more comprehensive and tailored support plans for children.
Additionally, building partnerships with the wider community enriches the learning environment. Local libraries, museums, and parks offer extended learning opportunities that can deepen children’s understanding and experience of the world around them. This broader engagement helps children develop social skills and a sense of belonging to a larger community.
In summary, partnership working in the early years is crucial for creating a supportive, inclusive, and enriching environment for children. It ensures that all developmental, emotional, and educational needs are met through collective efforts, thereby laying a strong foundation for future success.
Answers and Guides
1. Understand the principles of partnership working in relation to current frameworks when working with babies and young children
- 1.1 Identify reasons for working in partnership
- 1.2 Describe partnership working in relation to current frameworks
2. Understand how to work in partnership
- 2.1 Explain the roles of others involved in partnership working when: • meeting children’s additional needs • safeguarding children • supporting children’s transitions
- 2.2 Explain benefits of working in partnership with parents/carers Be able to work alongside parents/carers, colleagues and other professionals
3. Be able to work alongside parents/carers, colleagues and other professionals
- 3.1 Explain the roles of colleagues and the team members in an Early Years Setting
- 3.2 Collaborate with others to demonstrate team practice within the early years
- 3.3 Work alongside parents and/or carers and recognise their role in the baby’s/child’s health, well-being, learning and development
- 3.4 Encourage parents and/or carers to take an active role in the baby’s/child’s care, play, learning and development
4. Understand challenges to partnership working
- 4.1 Identify barriers to partnership working
- 4.2 Explain ways to overcome barriers when working in partnership
- 4.3 Give examples of support which may be offered to parents/carers
- 4.4 Identify skills and approaches needed for resolving conflict
5. Understand recording, storing and sharing information in relation to partnership working
- 5.1 Identify records to be completed in relation to partnership working
- 5.2 Explain reasons for accurate and coherent record keeping
- 5.3 Explain the reasons for confidentiality and security when maintaining and storing records
