Hayley O'Donnell

I am a Senior Early Years practitioner within Falkirk Council.

This user account status is Approved

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Becomings

– Changes to my thinking or practice which are emerging as a result of my current training –

This practitioner has not chosen to share this information at this time.

What I enjoy about working with young children

Everyday is different. I have learnt from the children and they have brought so much to our project, "Are we seeing the super in superhero, weapon and gun play?". This is a recurring interest of our children and it has been interesting to see their learning progress through their shared interest and the opportunities we have provided as a staff team to extend their knowledge.

How I would describe my role now (is it changing as result of my training?)

As a senior early years officer in our ELC I am responsible for over seeing the development of ou

When and how my PRACTICE is child-centred (have your views or practice changed?)

I try to follow a freedom with guidance approach and have realised at times I am continuing to build my confidence in this.

How children PARTICIPATE in shaping the environment, structures, rhythms and policies of my setting - or my own day-to-day role (have your views or practice changed?)

I follow a child led, freedom with guidance approach within my practice and through children's interests, extend their learning. I recognise that children are autonomous learners and each child is unique. Through our planning systems I ensure I take time to be aware of the stage each child is at in their learning and get to know what they can already do. Through our project, we have started by looking at staff views but as this extends into the next stage we will involve our learners and their views and using thir knowledge we will create rules and update our play policy based on the shared views between adults and children.

How Froebel/Froebelian thinking informs or inspires my practice today (have your views or practice changed?)

I feel my practice has always had some links to froebelian principles, but through this project I an becoming more confident in embedding Froebelian principles and sharing my knowledge across the team.

What I hope to learn or strengthen in my practice going forward

I hope to continue to embed Froebelian principles and occupations and gifts throughout our core experiences within our ELC.

What support I most value or need to do my job well - in a Froebelian spirit

Continued connectedness between parents/carers and our ELC.

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Learning journal

Reflections on my developing practice over the three stages of learning: Beginnings, Becomings and Recent.

Beginnings Becomings Recent