Support the care of babies and young children

This standard identifies the requirements when supporting the care for the holistic development of babies and young children. It includes observing babies and young children, communicating effectively to understand and respond to their preferences and needs. It also includes providing for their personal care and a range of play experiences that will support their holistic development.

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1. establish permission from young children and families before carrying out formal observations 
2. observe the physical development of babies or young children 
3. observe how babies or young children communicate
4. observe how babies or young children express their feelings 
5. identify how babies or young children play, and what they most enjoy 
6. share observations with others to support the development planning of babies or young children  
7. use experiences and routines to build positive relationships and support holistic development 
8. working in partnership with families, follow the preferences and needs of babies or young children for feeding routines and dietary requirements 
9. prepare, store, and serve food and drink, considering any specific dietary requirements
10. working in partnership with families, support the weaning process and encourage self-feeding based on the readiness of babies or young children 
11. respond to signs of illness in babies or young children 
12. contribute to creating a comfortable, relaxed and nurturing atmosphere for babies or young children during personal care routines 
13. carry out safe and hygienic personal care 
14. follow risk assessments to maintain safe and secure environments 
15. comfort and reassure babies or young children when they are distressed
16. contribute to planning inclusive, developmentally appropriate play experiences that support different areas of learning 
17. encourage experiences that reflect the interests and cultural backgrounds of babies or young children
18. ensure play spaces, experiences and interactions provide the balance between familiarity and challenge 
19. engage with babies or young children in play   
20. communicate with babies or young children in a manner suited to their needs 
21. use stories, songs and rhymes to support language development 
22. respond to the communication cues of babies or young children 
23. provide feedback to families about the experiences and progress of babies or young children 
24. contribute to records and reports required for supporting the care of babies or young children
25. reflect on how you carried out your roles and responsibilities when supporting the care of babies or young children, with feedback from others

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1. the transitions that babies and young children may go through 
2. development from pre-birth to 21 years  
3. social, physical and economic factors that can impact the development of babies and young children
4. how neurodivergence and additional needs can impact the care needs of babies and young children
5. the influence of culture and background on the care of babies and young children
6. how to develop consistent, caring, and nurturing relationships with babies and young children
7. the purpose and value of observing babies and young children
8. the workplace procedures for observing, assessing, and recording babies and young children
9. types of digital tools and devices that can support the care of babies and young children
10. the importance of routines in providing security and supporting development of babies and young children 
11. your role in weaning and self-feeding practices of babies and young children
12. safe preparation, storage, and handling of food and drink for babies and young children
13. signs and symptoms of common childhood illnesses and appropriate responses  
14. the importance of nurturing, relaxed environments in supporting the wellbeing of babies and young children
15. best practices for personal care of babies and young children
16. how to apply trauma informed principles to support the care of babies and young children 
17. the importance of safeguarding, risk assessment, and maintaining secure environments for babies and young children
18. the importance of dignity, kindness, and compassion in supporting the care of babies and young children
19. how to support emotional regulation and provide comfort to babies and young children experiencing distress or anxiety
20. how play supports different areas of development 
21. stages of play for babies and young children
22. the significance of child-led play 
23. the impact of positive interactions on confidence, learning, and wellbeing
24. the records and reports required for supporting the care of babies and young children
25. the relevant legal requirements, standards of practice, frameworks and guidance for supporting the care of babies and young children
26. the workplace requirements on equality, diversity, inclusion, and rights when supporting the care of babies and young children
27. how your personal experiences and unconscious bias may impact when supporting the care of babies and young children, and how to address this
28. the role of supervision, reflective practice and learning and development in supporting the care of babies and young children

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The glossary for this National Occupational Standard is available on the Skills for Care and Development website.

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1

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2031

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Current

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Original

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Skills for Care & Development

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HSCCLD235

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Social Care and Childrens Care

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Care of babies and young children, Health and Social Care & Children’s Care Learning and Development

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