Placement and Professional Skills

This chapter examines why placement is an important part of learning for the early years undergraduate student whilst studying for their degree. Placement experience is essential for developing professional skills in the workplace, particularly when working with babies and young children; learning and developing new skills in ‘real-life’ practice supports the student in relating theory to practice. The student will also gain valuable experience of working alongside the Early Years Foundation Stage and Development Matters guidance, which are crucial aspects of policy and curriculum guidance within early years. Throughout this chapter you will start to understand how to prepare for placement and what to expect when you are there, whilst considering development of personal and professional skills.