Overview
Assessment Guidance
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Aim
The aim of this unit is to consider the role of volunteers within early years setting and how links with the community can enhance the provision for the children.
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The aim of this unit is to consider the role of volunteers within early years setting and how links with the community can enhance the provision for the children.
Know how to develop links with the local community that could enhance children's learning and development.
Additional details
Some examples of community links and their benefits could include:
These are a sample of possible links. There are many more that will be equally valid.
Know the role of volunteers from the community.
Additional details
Volunteers can bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and skills to an early years setting. They can also spend time with individual children or small groups of children. They may be able to read with the children or play games. Other examples will be equally valid.
The volunteers themselves will gain experience of working with children and may encourage them to go on to part time or full time work. They may gain satisfaction and a sense of achievement. It can be fun and pleasurable.
The setting can benefit by having additional adults who can add quality to the provision already on offer. They may also add skills and knowledge that the permanent staff do not have.
Know the procedure for involving volunteers in the early years setting.
Additional details
Early years settings need to know that the volunteers do not breech any safeguarding policies. Depending on the time the volunteer spends with the children, it may be necessary to have clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Services (England) or equivalent services in other UK countries.
Volunteers may attend short course such as first aid or food hygiene if they attend the setting on a regular basis. Support may also be available from within the early years setting.