Playgroup assistant Review

My role is to be a key person to a small group of children from 2 years old to school age within the playgroup. Working as part of a team to ensure that all of the children in the setting are given given best start. This involves regular observations following the EYFS, safeguarding responsibilities, data protection and of course, making sure that the children are happy, healthy and learning through play, challenging themselves regularly.

I have learnt much on strategies for dealing with challenging behaviour and strategies to assist language and communication development. Learning how to assist with the differing needs of individual children has been a big development for me. My own communication style is developing to adapt to working with children and their families

There have been stressful moments, especially trying to study with two children under 3 at home during the first covid-19 lockdown, but both my manager and assessor have been understanding and helpful where necessary. Otherwise, I have thoroughly enjoyed this programme, the new information that I have learnt will not only help me in my job, but also with my children at home. I have found it fascinating and challenging, but as I near the end assessment, I am also finding it rewarding.

As a recently changed programme, there have been moments where things have not quite gone to plan, but I hope those small issues will be ironed out as the programme continues. As with anything new, the first people to experience it will always be the ones to help find the gaps, but despite this, I have come to the end point of my programme on time, with all of the information to exceed, and what is more, I feel more confident in my own knowledge and abilities. I would say that this programme is well organised and becoming more so as the time passes.

My employer is very supportive, making sure to do regular welfare checks both in and out of work. If coaching is necessary, it will always be given in a constructive, empathetic and positive manner. Any questions or requests are always answered in good time. Planned time for studying has always been included in my working week and any assistance needed for my learning has always been granted.

I receive as much support as I need. My assessor has always responded to any messages or phone calls in good time. Any questions I have, have always been answered. Sessions have been booked around my availability and need, so for example, weekly sessions if a tougher subject, monthly if more in depth but less support needed. My assessor has always checked on my welfare, especially during the first lock down of the pandemic and offered support or directed me to support where necessary.

It has helped immensely. To know the 'why' behind the things we do makes a huge difference to performance. To have the background knowledge and understand the hundreds of years of research that has led us to where we are now and what we know about child development, helps us to give the best opportunities to the children in our care. The knowledge that I have from this qualification absolutely backs up the day to day practice And gives me confidence in knowing why the things I do will have a positive effect on each individuL child. And also, knowing what can happen if children don't get the best start really helps to understand different circumstances for the families we communicate with.

We are a charity playgroup, so we each have the opportunity to get involved with ideas for fundraising for the setting and also become involved with running those events, such as Christmas parties, raffles, family fun days, sponsored events. We also have opportunities to visit other settings for professional development

Yes

I see how much the practitioners at first steps care about the children and each other on a day to day basis. It is a Small village playgroup and we see the children of our previous children coming into the setting. All needs of children are fought for where necessary

Be yourself. Be prepared to be very hands on and involved in the care of the childrenand their families. It is a small team that feels very much like a family and will welcome you with open arms.