What Is Means to Have a Duty of Care in Own Work Role free essay sample

Explain what is means to have a duty of care in own work role| As a childminder I have a duty of care to keep all my minded children safe, healthy and comfortable while making sure their rights are guarded. I have a duty of care to keep children from harm whether physical or psychological. I carry out risk assessments in my home and when out and about to avoid potential hazards to children. Risk assessments are reviewed every year or when accidents/incidents happen and there is a need for review. The house is equipped with safety equipment to minimise risk of injury or harm. Stair gates, plug sockets and cupboard locks are in place to name a few. There are set house rules that are to be followed at all times such as we do not run, we walk in the house and we use furniture for sitting on rather than climbing on. Older children are asked to lead by an example and to show the younger ones positive behaviour. Positive behaviour is always rewarded by praise. All children are taught to respect each other and to have empathy for one another. Any unreasonable behaviour or bulling is dealt with straight away and is not acceptable. I have a Behaviour policy in place. Children are encouraged to wash their hands before food, after playing outside, after touching pets and cuts. All children have their own towels to dry their hands and antibacterial soap is provided to reduce the spread of any infections or bacteria. I have a cleaning regime in place to make sure all equipment is kept clean and tidy. I follow a correct hygiene rules for food preparation and use antibacterial spray to eliminate germs. If a child is unwell with infectious dieses there may be an exclusion period depending on child’s illness. I have a health and safety policy as well as Illness policy in place. To make sure children’s progress in their development is on track I carry out regular observations and bimonthly progress check. This helps me to assess how well the children are developing and I am able to recognise if their progress is not as broadly expected and they may need additional support and help. I will take relevant actions and work with the parents or other professional to help children to reach their potential. All children are safeguarded at all times. I also have a Child protection policy. I look out for signs that may indicate any form of abuse which are recorded and my procedure is followed. If a child goes missing whilst in my care I will follow a procedure in my Missing child policy. To avoid such a thing from happening all children are always very closely guarded when on an outings. Small children are kept in a buggy or on the reins to ensure they can’t wonder off. At home all doors are kept locked at all time with keys only accessible to responsible adult. As a childminder my duty is to care for children in my care. I do not leave children unattended and any visitors to my home have to sign visitor’s book. | 1. 2 Explain how duty of care contributes to the safeguarding or protection of individuals. | Having a duty of care means constant observation and assessment of all children. Observation is not only of their progress but also their behaviour and physical health. I have a policies and procedures I follow one of which is my Child protection policy. My first responsibility is towards children in my care and if I have any cause for concern I will report this to relevant body (Social services department). By encouraging children to develop a sense of autonomy and independence through support in making choices and in finding names for their own feelings and acceptable ways to express them, children will gain the self-confidence and vocabulary to resist inappropriate approaches. Teaching children what is right and wrong and being a good role model will help them to make the right choices in play. They will understand that jumping of the table is not acceptable as they may hurt themselves-common sense. Teaching children personal hygiene will minimise a risk of them getting ill and passing it on to another child. | Unit SHC 34 2. Describe potential conflicts or dilemmas that may arise between the duty of care and an individual’s rights. | Children love to play and explore. For example while in a park a child will want to climb a ladder to go on a slide. Natural reaction may be to hold or even pick up a child and put them up. Children learn best when trying and experiencing things t hemselves. There is a risk of a child slipping and falling of the steps but a child also has a right to experience facilities to aid their development. Children need to learn how to predict and avoid dangerous situations. Another potential dilemma may be confidentiality. I must ensure that all personal information is kept confidential and is not shared with anyone else unless permission form is signed. But if there is a case of concern that a child’s welfare may be at risk social services have to be informed. There is also a possibility of conflict with parent’s wishes due to their culture and religion. | 2. 2 Describe how to manage risks associated with conflicts or dilemmas between an individuals rights and the duty of care. | Whilst having a duty of care it is important to find the right balance between children’s rights and parent’s/carer’s responsibilities. Sometimes children’s rights may outweigh the risk. As a childminder I am there to support all children on their journey of learning and experience. By minimizing any risks (risk assessing) and following safety procedures all children are given the best opportunity to learn without compromising their rights. If on the other hand a risk is too great, I will stop the child from coming to any harm. Duty of care may prevail over rights in child abuse cases, where it is important to share some confidential information with social services. It is clearly stated in my policy that all information on children and the families are kept confidential and will not be shared without signed permission form. I will however divulge confidential information to Social services and Ofsted if I have any concerns that child is being abused (Child protection policy). When conflict between duty of care and individual’s rights arises, I will do my best to make sure children’s safety, wishes, religion and rights are considered. In some cases I will seek advice and support. | Unit SHC 34 2. 3 Explain where to get additional support and advice about conflicts and dilemmas. I work in partnership with parents I will seek advice and support from child’s them. By keeping parents informed about any plans involving their child and by asking to sign permission forms. It is important to me to establish a good working relationship with parents as this will help in solving many dilemmas and conflicts. In some cases I may refer to the internet and search local authority and their information on line. I may call social services or my local early years team for advice. I may talk to other professionals, unless this would breach confidentiality. My policies and procedures will be my first point of reference. I will seek more training if needed to make sure children rights are met. | 3. 1 amp; 3. 2 Describe how you would respond to a complaint include the main points of the agreed procedure of your setting for handling complaints – please don’t say you would refer it to your manger, you may not necessarily deal with it in your setting, but you need to describe what you would do as person in charge | I have Complaints policy as well as Allegations of abuse against a childminder policy. If a complaint is made will first try to arrange a meeting between me and the parents. I would hope the matter can be discussed openly. Any concerns raised will be dealt with seriously, effectively and in confidential manner. Depending on nature of the complaint I will either investigate it myself or ask Ofsted to investigate. I will provide parents with an account of the findings of the investigation within 28 days of receiving their complaint. I will inform the parents of any actions taken. I will keep all records of complaints, discussions and any agreements reached. If however parents feel they would like to make a formal complaint they can contact Ofsted. Their phone number is displayed on the notice board. I will follow procedure in my Allegations of abuse against childminder policy to protect myself and my family from any accusations or complaints. I will keep records of all visitors and never leave children unsupervised. Any marks and bruises found on a child on arrival will be recorded with parents explanation of how these marks occurred. I will record all accidents and incidents and have them signed by parents. In case of complaint or allegation made against me I will contact Ofsted and my insurance company for advice.