AO1 National Policies
There are a variety of national policies that are used within an Early Years Setting in which aim to help the children throughout their early years of life. Each legislation aims to support the children in as many ways as possible and influence the quality of care that they will receive. To make certain that children have the security and safe environment within the care settings, the government have introduced National Policies. Therefore throughout this assignment, I will evaluate each of the main National Policies in which are put in place to certify this.
One of the main legislations that can be found within a school is known as The Children Act in 1989. The act has been put in place to provide various types of support for children, young people under the age of eighteen and their families. The key features of this particular legislation are, to protect those children who are at risk (the paramouncy principle), children have the right to be heard, children’s wishes have to be taken into consideration, support to be provided to keep families together. In order for the legislation to work efficiently, all of these features must be met at all times.
When considering a child’s protection it is important that all their physical, emotional and educational needs are met. This is important as the child’s welfare is paramount here and therefore everything should be done to make sure that the child is gaining the appropriate care. In addition to this, if there is a case in which the court or professionals have to come to a conclusion over the child’s welfare, they must take into consideration the effect that any change may have on the child.
The use of the Children’s Act 1989 provides a variety of services including that of social work, help with housing and support, equipment and adaptations, short-term breaks, counselling, interpreters etc. it is important that both the children and their families are able to access this support whenever it is that they need it as the act’s main purpose is to provide the child with protection and safety.
Furthermore, the children act ensures that local authorities are able to investigate any reported case of child abuse. Once the case has been investigated, a decision can be made in which can determine whether the child can be placed on the child protection list. This will ensure that the child and their family will be supported by the social services and therefore will aim to avoid any further instances.
The act provides the children with a number of rights in order for them to be treated equally to adults. This means that the children are allowed to say what they wish and as a result of this they must be listened to. Following this, it is important that before any decisions are made, they must go through the child first. This ensures that they are fully aware of what is going on at all times and consequently given the right to say no.
Following the Children’s Act 1989, the government released a new policy known as the Children’s Act 2004. This act is similar to the 1989 act as the protection of the children is paramount. Within the act, it has been made official that England should have a Children’s Commissioner of whom will promote the awareness of the views and interests of all children living in England. To ensure that the children are able to receive the most efficient care, the act enables professional workers to use a database to share information about those children for whom they have a concern for. The role of he Children’s Commissioner will be expected to initiate enquiries on behalf of the children, find out more about the needs of children and young adults. It is important that this Act works simultaneously with the 1989 Act as it is vital that the children receive the most beneficial care that they can.
Another National Policy that the government have devised is known as the Early Years Curriculum. This policy is most commonly used within Pre-schools and