Introduction to Community Development in Early Years Settings

Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 1
Unit No:
H/601/3756
Credits:
1
Guided learning hours:
7 hours

Assessment Guidance

N/A

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.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

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:

  • care homes for the elderly - talking with older adults; listening to their experiences
  • local allotment societies - learning about gardening; helping in the allotment
  • city farms - caring for animals
  • voluntary organisations for example RNLI, RSPCA - learning about the work they do
  • library - story times, holiday activities

These are a sample of possible links. There are many more that will be equally valid.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1
    Identify potential links which could be made within the learner's community.
  • 1.2
    Outline how these links could enhance children's learning and development.
2

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.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1
    State the value of volunteers to the early years setting.
  • 2.2
    Explain the benefits of involving volunteers from the community:
    • To the children
    • To the volunteers
    • To the setting
3

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. 

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1
    Outline the process of recruiting and inducting volunteers.
  • 3.2
    Identify the legal implications of using volunteers in early years settings.
  • 3.3
    Give examples of on-going support that would be required by volunteers.