WF1 2.1 part 2

• Mathematics
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

WF1 Roles and Responsibilities of the early year practitioner 

2.1 part 2

Starter

what is prevent

what is prevent?

Information

Target and ILP ( proportal)

Learner induction survey

Placement forms

DBS status

You matters- college portal/ smart assessor

Ofsted next week - student survey

Recap
What did you learn last week?

Today we will.........

Understand procedures that must be adhered to in the work setting and their importance

2.1 Reflect on prior learning and experience as appropriate to describe the role of the early years educator in the following aspects:

• confidentiality
• information-sharing
  
• use of technology
  
• referring development concerns
  
• protecting self (for example, media and online presence)
• staff health and safety, including mental
  
• health and wellbeing support and supervision

 

What do you know about confidentiality when working in early years setting?

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of the role of an Early Years Practitioner (EYP). It ensures that sensitive information about children, families, and colleagues is handled respectfully and securely. Maintaining confidentiality is not only a professional expectation but also a legal obligation

Legal Requirements: Early Years Practitioners must comply with laws that govern confidentiality and data protection, such as:

• Data Protection Act 2018 (incorporating GDPR in the UK): This governs how personal data should be collected, stored, and used.
• Children Act 1989 and 2004: Ensures that the welfare and safeguarding of children is a primary consideration.

Safeguarding and Child Protection: While confidentiality is crucial, it is equally important to recognize when information must be shared to protect a child’s welfare, especially in safeguarding situations. Balancing confidentiality and the need to share concerns with relevant agencies is key to protecting children from harm.

What Confidentiality Involves for Early Years Practitioners:

Handling Sensitive Information

Personal and Family Information: Practitioners are privy to personal information about children’s home lives, family situations, and medical conditions. It’s important that this information is only shared with those who have a professional need to know (e.g., managers, safeguarding leads, or healthcare professionals).

Medical and Developmental Records: Children’s medical and developmental records must be kept securely and only accessed by authorized personnel. Sharing such information inappropriately, even among colleagues, is a breach of confidentiality.

Confidentiality in Communication

Verbal Communication: Practitioners should be mindful of where and with whom they discuss confidential matters. Conversations about children or families should not take place in public areas or where others might overhear.

Written Records: Any written records, whether digital or paper-based, must be stored securely and only accessible to those who need them. This includes daily logs, progress reports, and safeguarding records. Personal information should never be left in open areas or shared inappropriately.

Confidentiality in Daily Practices

Observations and Assessments: 

When observing children’s development, the observations recorded should be shared only with relevant individuals, such as the child’s parents, carers, or professional colleagues, when necessary.

Parent Meetings: 

In meetings or informal conversations with parents, practitioners must not share information about other children or families. Each family’s confidentiality must be respected, and sensitive information should be discussed privately.

Photos and Videos: 

If photos or videos of children are used for learning journals or displays, practitioners must ensure that they have consent from parents or guardians. These images should not be shared or used without permission, especially on social media or other public platforms.

When Information Needs to Be Shared:

While confidentiality is critical, there are situations where practitioners must share information, particularly when it involves child welfare or safeguarding issues. Key exceptions include:

Safeguarding Concerns: If a child is at risk of harm or abuse, practitioners have a duty to report this information, even if it requires breaking confidentiality. In such cases, information should be shared with the designated safeguarding lead within the setting or with external agencies such as social services.

Sharing with Colleagues: Confidential information may need to be shared with colleagues in certain situations, for example, if another practitioner needs to know specific medical information to care for a child appropriately. This sharing should be limited to those directly involved in the child’s care or support.

Working with External Agencies: When necessary, information may be shared with health professionals, therapists, or external agencies to support a child’s development or welfare. This should always be done with parental consent, unless it involves safeguarding concerns.

Confidentiality 

Best Practices for Maintaining Confidentiality:

Clear Policies and Procedures: Settings should have clear confidentiality policies in place that outline how information should be handled, shared, and stored. Practitioners should be familiar with these policies and follow them rigorously.

Training and Awareness: Practitioners should receive regular training on confidentiality, data protection, and safeguarding to stay updated on their legal and ethical responsibilities.

Secure Storage of Information: Whether records are kept electronically or on paper, they should be stored in secure locations (e.g., password-protected files or locked filing cabinets) to prevent unauthorized access.

Informed Consent: Parents and guardians should be informed about how their personal information and their children’s information will be used and stored. Consent should be obtained before sharing any non-safeguarding-related information with third parties.

Professional Discretion: Practitioners should exercise professional discretion at all times, avoiding gossip or unnecessary discussions about children, families, or colleagues.

Confidentiality 

Consequences of Breaching Confidentiality:

Loss of Trust: Breaches of confidentiality can erode trust between parents and the setting, damaging the relationship between practitioners and the families they serve.

Legal Repercussions: Mishandling sensitive information could lead to violations of data protection laws, resulting in legal consequences for the setting and the practitioner involved.

Professional Misconduct: Practitioners who fail to maintain confidentiality could face disciplinary action, including potential dismissal or loss of professional registration.

Information
Sharing

Use of technology

Referring Development
Concerns

Protecting Self - media& online presence

Staff Health and Safety
including mental health& well being support & supervision