Category: Early Years Shop News

The Access and Inclusion Model is a new structure created in 2016 in response to research into providing support for children with disability under the ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education) scheme. AIM is a joint project of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Department of Health, the Department of Education and Skills and others.

The model is intended to break down the various levels of support required from the most basic and universal which is an inclusive culture where diversity is welcome and children with disability are not marginalised, through more specific measures such as information for parents, staff training, special equipment as required, and additional intervention when necessary.

All early years services should have an Inclusion Policy. You can read more on this in the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Charter and Guidelines for Early Childhood Care and Education provided by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

Remember if you employ someone under the Access and Inclusion Model, the contract must be for this specific purpose and this should be built into a clause within the contract to avoid any potential employment law issues.

We have developed a Contract specifically for this purpose with the relevant wording as part of our Inclusion Pack.

Related products: Inclusion Pack

Working within the Aistear curriculum framework requires that you observe the child’s interests and then build the follow-on curriculum to follow these interests. Some early years educators find it difficult to find the time to make detailed observations.

What about using a spidergraph?

A spidergraph, also known as a spidergram or a mind map, is a quick way to note your observations and the links to how you extend the learning. It’s called a spidergraph because it looks something like a spider’s web, with related observations/plans/notes contained in circles and connected by lines (see illustration). Date your observations and add photos wherever you can. This is a great way to create an easy-to-read reference of your observation and curriculum planning.

We have an oversize (A3) Learning Journey available which is a great way to record the child’s learning through the year and show links to Aistear themes and goals.

Promoting diversity in your early years setting is very important. Studies have shown that children as young as two years old are already beginning to internalise societal norms and prejudices around gender, ethnicity and cultural practices. What is meant by cultural practices? Cultural practices include language, religion, dress, even the food we eat regularly!

There are many reasons why diversity is such an important consideration for all ages. We want to be sure to be fully inclusive so that no children feel “outside” the group or feel less confident about participating. We also want to be aware of the subtle ways we learn to make unfair judgments based on difference so that we can “unlearn” these prejudices as we go.

Ireland is growing more and more diverse, particularly in the early years sector. We want to foster an appreciation of this diversity and show to children and their families that we are dedicated to inclusivity. Along with cultural differences, we want to be aware of any preconceptions we might have about gender roles, about difference in ability, about age, or any other of the many ways people are different from one another. We want to share and celebrate these differences openly together.

The children themselves are the best resource for diversity education! Encourage them to talk about their own cultures, their own families, their own experiences being who they are.

We are happy to offer our new Diversity Curriculum Plan Pack: Celebrating Difference as a great starting point for playing, talking and thinking around the topics of difference and inclusiveness. Choose from 10 activities as starting points, then observe the children’s own thoughts, games and explorations to guide you in future activities.

Remember, all our Curriculum Plan Packs and Friday Freebies are available for no extra charge as soon as they are released to members of the Early Years Resource Factory.

Using an Accident Book for recording accidents and incidents is a good way to maintain compliance with regulations for early years services. You should always be making records of accidents and other incidents related to health and safety. Ideally you will have multiple copies of each report. You must give one copy to the family of the child involved and one copy stored in the child’s file. It’s also a good idea to maintain copies for each room, both for your own records and in case of inspection. Remember that you must also be GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) compliant.

Here are a few tips to remember about recording accidents:

• Always use pen, not pencil.
• Include the full names of staff present, not just the first name.
• Complete every section of the form.
• Each accident must be risk assessed and preventive action taken. This must be recorded on the form.
• You must place a copy of the accident on the child’s file and must have evidence that you have done this.
• You must give the parent a copy of the accident record and must have evidence that you have done this.
• Remember all serious accidents should be reported to Tusla and the Insurance Company.

Have you set up your GDPR system? If not act now and ensure compliance

Continue reading Have you set up your GDPR system? If not act now and ensure compliance – Thursday Tip

Remember if you a child with a long-term illness or severe allergy attend your service you must have a Medical care Plan in place. This is to ensure the safety and well-being of the child. Staff must be trained on the administration of the medication and how to respond in the event of a medical emergency. The training must be provided by a qualified health professional .

Continue reading Medical Care Plans – Thursday Tip