Engage In Personal Development With CYP Essay

Unit 3: Engage in Personal Development in Health, Social Care or Children’s and Young People’s settings 1: Understand what is required for competence in own work role 1.1 Describe the duties and responsibilities of own work role. As a Teaching Assistant, I have many different roles and responsibilities which mainly involve around holding paramount the welfare and safety of children and young people, their progress, development and well-being. It is my responsibility as an employee to follow the codes of practice and ensure that I continue to update my training requirements and techniques. Staff must uphold policies, procedures, rules and work alongside the teacher and other professionals to assist in preparation, information sharing and delivery of sessions, meetings, resources, information and progress. It is also important as a TA to build trusting professional relationships with children, young people and their families/guardians as well as colleagues and other agencies involved, whilst still ensuring to follow confidentiality and data protection policies. My Key Responsibilities are to work under the guidance of teaching staff/SLT and within an agreed system of supervision, to implement agreed work programmes with individuals/groups, in or out of the classroom. This could include those requiring detailed and specialist knowledge in particular areas and will involve assisting the teacher/instructor in the whole planning cycle and the management/preparation of resources. Level 3 TA’s may also supervise whole classes occasionally during the short-term absence of teachers. (3 days maximum per absence). The primary focus is to maintain a productive, well-structured working atmosphere with students being fully engaged and on task. In providing cover supervision, Teaching Assistants will need to respond to questions and generally assist pupils to undertake set activities. Specific Duties and Responsibilities Pupil Support To support pupils development and promote independence in a safe, secure, challenging environment employing strategies to recognise and reward achievement of self-reliance To support the learning of individuals and groups of pupils as identified through curriculum planning and to act as a role model, having high expectations of behaviour, effort and attainment To  focus on individual pupils as directed or when needs dictates To work with other staff to develop and implement the IEBP’s and the subsequent monitoring To encourage pupils to interact and work co-operatively with each other and adults. To observe, record and support the development and progress of pupils in order to identify individual needs and difficulties and to feed back to pupils in relation to their progress and achievement To promote the inclusion and acceptance of all pupils within the classroom To meet the social, emotional, behavioural and learning needs of the pupil according to a pupil’s Individ ual Education/Behaviour Plan whilst encouraging independence wherever possible. To monitor pupil’s attendance and behaviour To promote and facilitate learning To support preparation of lessons/tasks/activities To use data on attendance, behaviour and attainment to inform teachers planning To evaluate data on attendance, behaviour and attainment to develop specific learning programmes for pupils Teacher Support To plan with teachers the daily/weekly programme of lessons, activities and events in order to support pupils and adjust lessons/work plans as appropriate Occasional supervision of the class in the course of short term absences of teachers, focusing on maintaining good order and to keep pupils on task under the guidance of teaching staff and within an agreed system of supervision To liaise with other professionals to ensure an appropriate and stimulating learning environment (eg. Display work) To set out, prepare, use and tidy equipment To promote and encourage home school partnerships To assist on home school liaison visits To listen, support and discuss issues sensitively with parents and carers under the teacher’s/instructor’s supervision and to participate in feedback sessions/meetings with parents To monitor and evaluate pupil’s responses to learning activities through observation and planned recording of achievement against pre-determined learning objectives To provide objective and accurate  feedback and reports as required to the teacher on pupil achievement, progress and other matters ensuring the collation and availability of appropriate evidence To be responsible for keeping and updating records as agreed with the teacher, contributing to reviews of systems/records as required In class, to undertake marking of pupils work as agreed with the teacher and accurately record achievement/progress To administer and assess routine tests and assist in the invigilation of exams/tests as agreed with the teacher To provide general clerical support, e.g. administer coursework, produce worksheets for agreed activities, etc. To work within an established discipline policy in order to anticipate and manage behaviour constructively, promoting self-control and independence. Curriculum Support To prepare, plan and manage specific activities/teaching programmes, adjusting activities according to pupils’ responses/needs To help drive the school improvement plan To set out and prepare equipment indoors and outdoors To implement local and national teaching strategies, and make effective use of opportunities provided by other learning activities to support the development of skills in literacy and numeracy To support the use of ICT in learning activities and develop pupils’ competence and independence in its use To help pupils access learning activities through specialist support To determine the need for, prepare and maintain general and specialist equipment and resources School Support To promote the policies and ethos of the school, e.g. personal and social and to promote positive values, attitudes and good pupil behaviour, dealing promptly with conflict and incidents in line with established policy and encouraging pupils to take responsibility for their own behaviour To display pupils work to reflect their achievement To supervise pupils on outings and visits as required To attend staff meetings as required To be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, behaviour management, health, safety and security and to refer all concerns to the leadership team To treat all information relating to a  pupil as strictly confidential, and to be aware of and comply with school policy and practice To be a proactive member of the school team To establish constructive relationships and communicate with other agencies/professionals in liaison with the teacher in order to support the achievement and progress of pupils To provide appropriate guidance and supervision and assist in the training and development of staff as appropriate To undertake planned supervision of pupils’ out of school hours learning activities To attend relevant courses and learning activities in order to update knowledge as required To take opportunities to develop areas of individual/personal interest and expertise and to use these to advise and support others or to organise specific projects 1.2 Explain expectations about own work role as expressed in relevant standards In my setting, all policies and procedures are kept in the main office and are available to view on request. I am aware of all current legislation and I have read and understand my Company’s policies and procedures and follow them at all times. It is my responsibility to read and uphold all policies and keep up to date with any changes or amendments that may arise. I always work in a professional manner and ensure all information is kept up to date, and confidential by following the confidentiality and data protection policy and not discuss any information about children, their families and sensitive information about school matters to anyone unless there is an appropriate reason to do so. When I feel there could be a possible safeguarding issue with any child/young person, I know what to do and who to refer it to (STL46, STL48). I would write a form for initial concern and pass on any information I have to the Safeguarding Officer. Following the health & safety policy I record any accidents in the relevant accident book and log it on the schools monitoring system (sleuth). When an accident such a concussion or feeling unwell, a phone call home is made to notify the parent/carer of their child’s situation. Throughout the day I check the equipment, furniture and resources are safe for students to use before they come into the setting and report any hazards/faulty equipment to  the appropriate person and log it in the repairs book as soon as possible. The first aid box situated in the first aid cupboard on the main coridoor opposite the Head teacher’s office. First aiders are made known to all staff by First Aid Procedure Posters around the school. . I feel I am equipped with the skills to deal with arising situations accordingly. All members of staff, visitors and parents/carers a required to sign in and out in the book located in the office area. Supply members of staff, workmen, governors, parents/carers and professionals from external agencies also need to sign in and out and if they leave the premises. Visitors are asked to bring formal identification and need to hold an enhanced CRB to be allowed access the building. My school aims to maintain high standards of healthy eating, making sure the children have healthy options and we also provide hot meals, which caters vegetarians as well. All students get free school meals. Working in an Alternative Provision School (Formally a PRU) I assist students with various abilities in all classes and can deal with challenging behaviour on a daily basis. I also assist students with special educational needs such as ASC, ADHD, ODD or mental illness . I have been trained in Team Teach and PRICE de-escalation and positive handling techniques (STL37. STL39, STL41). I am aware of what to do in most circumstances, and the correct reporting/recording procedures to follow. I frequently attend new courses with outside agencies, a lot through my role at school, to widen my knowledge of strategies and approaches such as ASC Awareness courses, child protection, behaviour management, fire safety, Alcohol, drug and solvent abuse, violence reduction, safe guarding, emotional and disability awareness etc. In regards to relevant standards, I encourage all students to interact and work co-operatively with others (STL20) and engage in all activities and also support the inclusion and acceptance of all students within the setting (STL19). I promote the development of students through literacy and numeracy sessions, talking, reading newspaper and magazines, discussing national  issues and encourage students to share their views in these matters. This engages students to appreciate each-others opinions and views and work as a team to achieve set goals. I try to incorporate maths equations into everyday situations to encourage the students to reinforce their learning outside the classroom (STL25, STL33, STL26. As a Teaching Assistant, I am expected to support the teacher, to be reliable and build a good relationship with the children/young people in my care, helping them gain positive social and communication skills and encouraging them to achieve the best of their ability in their learning (STL20, STL24). It is important that I conduct myself in the correct manner within the school and use appropriate actions and language to my specific audience. Children and young adults can pick up behavioural traits and values from the people around them and can often mirror others actions. I try to remain professional at all times and act appropriately (STL20). My role as a Teaching assistant is to assist in enhancing children and young people’s knowledge base so they can grow in all aspects of their development. I differentiate my strategies and provide different levels of work for specific students with both lower, or higher abilities (STL34, STL38, STL40, STL44). If I know a child/young person in my class is weak in certain areas such as their literacy or numeracy or even concentration, I know when to change my level of support so they feel able to communicate their ideas effectively and are confident in the task set. Maintaining positive relationships with students helps me in my role as you get to know what levels of assistance students will need. For example, I know if I have students X, Y & Z in my class, X having dyslexia, Y having ADHD. I am aware that these particular students can get anxious when faced with a big task and/or lots of writing. I write down instructions for these students before the lesson and break them down into small and simple steps. I will then wait for the student to be far enough into the task before giving another instruction. For student Z, being on the gifted and talented scheme in previous mainstream schools. I can find a more in depth and higher level equivalent of the task and check it over with the teacher before handing it to the student (STL23, STL24, STL34). I work alongside my teacher and have daily meetings and share ideas and suggestions that I have with regards to the running of the class, for example ideas for lesson plans, displays for students work and projects (STL16, STL21, STL23, STL24, STL28, STL31). I also provide input, with documented evidence, for behaviour, numeracy and literacy targets and plans (STL30). As practitioners, we need to work as a team with other staff members and parent/carers in order to support the student and promote learning so that they will express their ideas and views and be able to voice these to a group. This will help them thrive to succeed and feel confident in doing so (STL45, STL47). As well as working with my own class teacher I can be asked to go and support other staff in a different subject. I am expected to adapt very quickly to the environment and needs of the other class group and be aware of the lesson objectives and outcomes and I am always collecting and updating my file of lesson pla ns and tasks for such occasions. (STL28, STL62) 2.1 Explain the importance of reflective practice in continuously improving the quality of service provided Reflection means focusing on how you interact with colleagues, students, and the environment. It means thinking about how you could have done something differently, what you did well, what you could have done better. How you can improve what you have done and what would work better next time. Reflecting on your practice will allow you to obtain a clearer picture of your own behaviour and a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. By doing this you can then take appropriate future action, continually improving your skills and approaches. Practitioners must review the key elements of effective practice to understand what effective practice looks like. They need to create a self-development plan and reflect on their work. If an employee doesn’t have a standard of work or the standard is unclear, then it is difficult for them to know what or how or when they should be doing it. The absence of standards makes it impossible for an employee to effectively monitor their own performance. If work standards don’t exist, then things are open to personal interpretation and this can lead to conflicting viewpoints. If some colleagues work to lower standards, it can affect the work of others. It’s  important to seek feedback from colleagues to identify what is working well, identify areas for improvement and development. To show that you can continuously improve your practice with constructive feedback and show that you are able to learn and listen to others. Reflecting and improving your own practice will help meet the needs of the individuals and to enable you to develop new strategies and approaches. 2.3 Describe how own values, belief systems and experiences may affect working practice Everyone has different values, beliefs and preferences. What you believe in, what you see as important and what you see as acceptable is an essential part of who we are. The way in which we respond to people is linked to what you believe in, consider important and what interests you. People react positively to people who share the same values and possibly less warmly to people who have different priorities. When you develop friendships, it is natural to spend time with people who share your interests and values. However, the professional relationships you develop with people you support are another matter. As a professional, you are required to provide the same quality of support for all, not just for those who share your views and beliefs. This may seem obvious, but knowing what you need to do and achieving it successfully are not the same thing. Working in any sector, you are bound to come across people whose views you do not agree with, and who never seem to understand your point of view. When there is a clash between your views and those of the people you are working with, you need to make the right responses. Awareness of differences, your reaction to them and how they affect the way you work is a crucial part of personal and professional development. If you allow your own preferences to dominate your work with people, you will fail to perform to the standards of the Codes of Practice for child care workers set out by the UK regulating bodies. The Codes of Practice require child care workers to respect and promote people’s individual views and wishes. Your own view may cause conflict with others or could help you understand others views and help improve communication with others. 3.1 Evaluate your own knowledge, performance and understanding against relevant standards As a practitioner I follow a number of codes of practice. Working with children and young persons, I have set responsibilities and work to the principals of the sector and codes of confidentiality. These responsibilities are to ensure to meet learning needs of a child, Provide an environment that is warm, welcoming and stimulating, Work with parents/carers, colleagues and other agencies. To work as part of a team that provides a quality service for both children/ young people and parents/carers. I believe I have a good understanding and knowledge base of what is expected for effective practice in my role. I am always updating this by training from internal and external agencies of various courses such as safe guarding, behaviour management, updating and amending policies, updating and sharing pupil information, how to record and analyse data. I regularly familiarise myself with updated policies and procedures and also participate in peer mentoring activities with other colleagues to improve personal practice. I work on a ‘Plan, Record and Review’ system. I think this is important to help improve my own practice. It helps me notice my strengths and weaknesses. This also helps when doing activities where you can see what event went well and what did not, how I could do things differently which may allow you to handle a situation differently in the future. It is good to get a second perspective of your performance as other colleagues could perceive situations in a different way to yourself. Getting feedback from my teacher is always helpful as they can inform me of what I did will and what possibly could be improved. I am also always learning from my own experiences which benefits me in my personal development. I believe I am able to maintain positive relationships with both staff and students which aids me to p romote positive outcomes in learning and well-being for all. 4.1 Identify sources of support for planning and reviewing on own development I get support and feedback from my subject teacher, line manager and other colleagues. I attend performance appraisals and have regular meetings with my head teacher, line manager and teams of colleagues to discuss progress. My schools ‘Peer Mentoring System’ for staff helps us all reflect on own and others practice methods and gain and share new ideas and strategies. It helps us see how different styles, approaches and strategies can benefit different audiences and activities, while widening our understanding and  knowledge base. I work closely with my class teacher who gives me daily support in maintaining and improving my own practice and teaching me new skills on the job. 5.1 Evaluate how learning activities have affected practice I have had lots of training to help me deal with situations within my role appropriately. Working with children, young people and adults, you cannot guarantee that if a strategy worked in a situation before, that it will work again. This is why reflective practice and ongoing training will help you deal with barriers that may arise. I have been fortunate enough to gain essential training on the job and with outside agencies to broaden my approaches and strategies. Having training in behaviour management, positive handling and de-escalation techniques, I know that a ‘hands on’ approach is a last resort within my setting but am confident in knowing when and how to use my TEAM TEACH training and when not to. I feel I am able to use de-escalation techniques in most situations and I am always learning and progressing my strategies and knowledge from experiences. The learning needs of my students can differ in their preferred learning styles and by using a blended learning approach it is possible to provide learning experiences that meet the learning needs of all members of the group. In planning lessons it is important not only to consider what is being taught and how but also where. In order to facilitate the feeling of an inclusive group a teacher may take into account the physical learning environment and if possible alter it to support inclusivity. Where appropriate this may be as simple as moving the desks from theatre style to cabaret or horse shoe style to encourage group communication and ensure all students can view or access their teacher equally. By arranging seating in such a way as to create clear sight lines and simple social communication a teacher will allow students to form this social bond to facilitate learning. If students progressed quickly through an activity and then begun to get bored and wandering, it would be obviou s that the task was too easy and not really suitable or beneficial for that student or group or they need another task to complete. Therefore you would need to try and make it more engaging and stimulating, perhaps by making it more difficult or time-consuming so the students really have to work hard to complete it. If the activities are  taking longer than expected and you can see that the students are really struggling, things again would need to be addressed. Most of my classes are mixed ability groups so I differentiate work to suit their ability and can simplify or choose higher grade material to accommodate for higher and lower ability students. On the other hand if a task is too hard for students, they can become frustrated and lash out as they don’t want to fail. Not providing engaging and stimulating activities could also cause other issues such as disengagement, behavioural issues or leaving the room as the student has finished the task set. It is all about knowing your audience where possible. You also have to be prepare for every eventuality and be ready for forthcoming events. I always plan extension task for my lessons to keep my students engaged while others catch up. In my setting I deal with a high percentage of students with ADHD or ODD so am confident in dealing with challenging behaviour and de-escalating situations. I believe giving the students a choice of how to complete tasks makes them feel more empowered and in control of their options. I regularly discuss with students what the point of the task set is and how this will help them make progress. The students can then see that the task isn’t pointless. If students are frustrated I will try and talk them through the task or give them a few minutes to calm down and collect themselves outside. I work in partnership with my class teacher and take it in turns to swap and ‘present a new face’ when needed in volatile situations. It is not always possible to achieve what you intended in a situation. As long as you know where you did achieve something positive, what you did well, what you could have done better and what will be your next step in resolving a situation then you can always learn from it and rectify it. Maintaining positive relationships is a big part in helping with conflict resolution and maintain open lines of communication with students, parents/carers and other staff members will help put in place strategies and plans for progress and improvement and also aid in encouragement to succeed. I partake in pupil conference meetings and writing individual educational and behavioural support plans for students under my supervision. This helps staff members in knowing a student’s strengths and weaknesses as well as triggers, likes and dislikes etc. National Standards taken from ; https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/239935/NOS-SUPPORT_for_supporting_teaching_learning.pdf