'Additional needs’ is used to define and categorise a whole range of conditions that require and qualify for special support, such as children who speak English as a second language, experience speech difficulties, have health concerns, are at risk of abuse and neglect, demonstrate challenging behaviour, or are gifted and talented.
Additional Needs links |
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Time to play, explore ideas, interact with others and make connections with the environment, are all important elements of child care. As children explore and experiment with language, relationships, ideas, equipment and materials they learn about themselves and the world.
Child Development links |
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The policies that are developed by management, in consultation with staff, carers, families and recognised child protection authorities, provide the framework for good practice and safe environments for children and adults.
Child Protection |
Knowledge of appropriate food storage and food handling is vital to ensure the safety of staff, carers and children. Child care professionals need to follow proper food handling procedures to ensure that food eaten by children is safe and retains its nutritional value.
Food Handling links |
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Current health research and practices recommended by recognised health and nutrition authorities should be complemented by a focus on the child’s emotional wellbeing and on providing developmentally appropriate support for each child’s growing confidence and independence.
Health links |
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Child care needs to provide a learning environment where careful guidance and role modelling by staff and carers and basic hygiene awareness activities can help children become competent and independent and develop valuable life skills.
Hygiene links |
It is the role of management and administration to establish effective and ethical management policies and procedures informed by relevant legislative requirements, current ‘best practice’ in management and reflect an awareness of community needs and issues.
Management and Administration links |
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Services should seek up to date information on nutrition from recognised health authorities working in this area and be responsive to children's daily nutritional needs, eating patterns, food preferences and cultural, religious or special dietary requirements.
Nutrition links |
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The development of the whole child is closely linked to the quality of the relationships experienced with others. Communication and interactions between staff and children help to secure and promote children’s social and emotional wellbeing, which in turn supports the development of other skills and abilities.
Relationships and Interactions links |
Services have a responsibility to keep up to date with the current research and practices recommended by recognised health and safety authorities. Services should develop an awareness of the types of authorities that provide advice on safety and protective care.
Safety and Protective Care links |
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Sleep procedures and sleep equipment need to take into account current health and safety advice from recognised health and safety authorities. Families should be consulted about each child’s individual needs for sleep and rest in order to maximise continuity between routines at home and at the service.
Sleep and Rest links |
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Many websites provide useful information for families. Services may wish to use these resources to assist families using their care or refer families to these websites.
Families links |
