Special needs assistant

Assessment Activity Description and Instructions to Learner:

Assignment 1 – Skills Demonstration

 

Section One: (10 marks) (1500 words)

Comprehensive introduction:

You are required to outline in detail issues to be considered when working with children with special needs to include

 

1. Principals of best practice, to include best practice on interventions and behaviour management and best practice on inclusion.
2. Skills and qualities needed to work with children with Special Needs, including stress management in the work environment
3. The Importance of Individual Educational Plans in supporting the child in activities and learning
4. The importance of the multi disciplinary team  
5. Include your role as SNA as part of the  team

 

Section 2: (32marks in total) (No word count)

 

You are required to complete four skills demonstrations, each skills demonstration must be completed under the supervision of your Work Placement Supervisor, whom shall complete the assessment documentation.

 

 

Skills Demonstration One; Relating Skills, (8 marks)

 

For this task you are required to demonstrate your ability to provide timely and appropriate communication and responsive skills to a child or children with special needs. This should include:

• Effective communication(In carrying out duties, working with the child, working with the teacher or others)
• Active listening( carrying out duties as directed, by the teacher and listening to the child ,demonstrate inclusive practice

• Non-verbal communication (understanding the importance of non verbal communication with the child)

 

Skills Demonstration Two; Interpersonal Skills, (8 marks)

 

For this task you are required to demonstrate your ability to carry out a developmentally appropriate task clearly highlighting your ability to assist a child or children with special needs in their learning and development. This should include:

 

• Effective collaboration
• Effective communication and listening and responding to the child ,
• Demonstration of Empathy, Patience

• Verbal and Non-verbal communication (understanding the importance of appropriate communication with the child)

 

Skills Demonstration Three; Effective Practice Qualities, (8 marks)

 

You are required to devise a task which clearly demonstrates your understanding and response to a child with special needs in the context of Equal Opportunities legislation and the rights of children with special needs.  This should include:

 

• Demonstrating inclusive practice
• demonstrating collaboration with teacher and interactions with the child

• Compliance with procedures and legislation
• Children’s' rights

 

Skills Demonstration Four; Practical Skills,(8 marks)

 

You are required to devise one task that clearly demonstrates your ability to use a care routine in a safe and appropriate manner. This should include:

 

• One care routine such as Feeding, Toileting, General hygiene procedures or Dressing

• Demonstrating inclusive practice

• Adherence to health and safety
• Dignity and respect of child
• Promoting independence

 

 

Section 3: Skills Demonstration Written Account (8 marks) (No word count)

 

Four skills demonstrations are to be completed with supervisor’s assessment for each task as evidence. In addition each task must include the following written information.

 

(a)Guidelines for  Planning & Implementation

 

Title of Activity / Skills Demonstration

Aim of the Activity

Number of children involved  and Age range/s

Special Needs Condition of the Child or group of Children

Length of time required and resources required for activity and or child

Benefits to the child’s development include learning goals in all developmental areas i.e. physical, intellectual, social, language or communication, development of self help and independence, promoting life skills such as personal hygiene skills, dressing, tidying up etc.

Implementation, highlight step by step the procedure or task.

What advance preparation was required?

What safety precautions did you need to be aware of and how procedures were adhered to?

How did you promote equality of opportunity i.e. inclusion and integration, participation, adaptation and or specialist equipment?

 

Benefits to you:

What did you learn about working with children with special needs through planning and carrying out this skills demonstration?

 

(b)Evaluation of Skills demonstration

 

1. Did you keep to your plan?
2. Were all children involved?
3. Did the children enjoy the activity?
4. Was the activity suitable for the age group?
5. Was the activity suitable for the size of the group?
6. Was the area suitable for the activity?
7. Was the activity safe?
8. Did you allow enough time?
9. Did children get involved in the clean-up?
10. Did you meet your objectives, aim?
11. Your strengths during activity
12. Your weaknesses during the activity
13. Overall what did you learn?

Follow on plan to develop children’s learning