Introduction to Working with Children in Early Years Education

Course Aim:  A chance to find out what it’s like to work with children , what goes on behind the scenes and get some practical experience.  Be prepared to get your hands dirty!

Course Information:  10 X 2 hour workshops /sessions and a discrete volunteering opportunity such as planning and delivering a Stay and Play session. Alongside this, intensive help and advice to access a longer term regular work experience opportunity in an Early Years/Childcare setting and some on-line training which teaches underpinning knowledge.

WK 1  Introductions and course aims. Participants’ expectations. Hands-on Activity including preparing snack. Introduction to Volunteering in an Early Years/Childcare setting.

WK 2 Hands on activity – playdough, clay and natural materials. Child Development. The Role of the Adult

WK 3 Hands on activity – paint, junk and sticky. Health & Safety.  The Role of the Volunteer.

WK 4 Planning appropriate play activities. Planning a session.

Imaginative Role Play. Equal Opportunities.

WK 5 Bring ideas today for a session of Stay & Play, discuss and reflect. Begin planning the Stay & Play session.

WK 6 Continue planning for Stay & Play session and trial an activity.  Introduction to Safeguarding.

WK 7 Introduction to Paediatric First Aid.  Career Options and qualifications. Begin an Action Plan

WK 8 Final Preparations for the Stay & Play session.  Stories and music.  Any Questions?

WK 9 Run the Stay & Play session.

WK 10 De-brief and discuss what happens next. Goal setting and Action Planning. Activity on childcare related careers.

Suitable for:  Anyone with an interest in working with pre-school children.  A good refresher if you have worked with children before and are thinking of returning.

Date: Wednesday 3rd October, 10th, 17th, 31st October, 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th November and 5th & 12th December

Time: 12:30pm - 2:30pm (please arrive at 12:15pm)

Venue: Elmbridge Under 5’s , Windfall Way, Gloucester GL2 0LN

Cost:     Free to participants on the Going the Extra Mile (GEM) project . If you are interested in participating on the project, please go to www.glosgem.org or contact Mary Jennings, Navigator Developer for the GEM Project on 07731 823347.