Ptlls_Unit_401

Unit 401 Level 4 Theory assignment No1 Kerri Anderson 30/09/13 Introduction This assignment is written in the context of a teacher working in the nail and beauty industry. There are usually around 10-15 students, mainly female. Age range is 16+. Classes are usually about 3 hours long and are run once a week over approx 10 weeks. Methodology During this assignment, the author made use of class notes, work that has been done in class, the internet and books found useful were, 1. Understand your own role and responsibilities in lifelong learning 1.1 Within the organisation, a key legislation is The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA) (Reference class work 27th September). This act relates to an employer but its requirements make for good working practices. As well as the employer, the employees have a duty to work following these rules ensuring that themselves, their colleagues and their clients are safe. The authors responsibility is to: • Provide safe equipment and safe systems of work • Ensure that all substances are handled safely, stored and transported safely • Provide a safe place of work with safe access and exit routes • Provide a workplace that is safe with regard to fire, first aid and the recording of accidents • Provide all the necessary training and supervision and make sure all staff are fully aware of all the relevant safety issues • Supply all necessary personal protective equipment free of charge A teacher should provide students with all safe equipment such as safety goggles, gloves, finger wraps and should make sure all students are correctly informed, trained and supervised with hazardous products. Another key legislation for the industry is Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 1999 (COSHH) (reference to internet, Google books, The Complete Nail Technician) This regulation is relevant to all nail technicians. Many of the products used in nail treatments fall into the category of hazardous substances and every technician must be aware of these hazards. The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) is another very important legislation. Every little injury no matter how big or small must be recorded in the salons accident book (every salon should have one). A more serious injury should be recorded in the book and reported to the incident contact centre (for example an injury that result in incapacity for more than 3 calendar days). Also if a client is injured and taken to the hospital a report must be made to the incident contact centre. (reference to internet, Google books, The Complete Nail Technician). These three examples that I have used are very important, however the list is never ending and every legislation is just as important. 1.2 A teacher is responsible for promoting equality and valuing diversity in the lifelong learning sector. A teacher must identify the learning needs of each individual student and analyse to determine learning requirements. They must then plan and design a programme, decide what teaching approach they will use and develop the materials. Once they have conducted the teaching they must assess the learning that has taken place on the students and evaluate and update the programme according to the students needs. A teacher must ensure they are not judgemental, ensure particular learners are not disadvantaged or overly advantaged and treat all learners with respect and dignity. (Reference class work 27th September) 2. Understand the relationships between teachers and other professionals in lifelong learning 2.1 A teacher has professional boundaries. Working within their role and knowing where their role as a teacher stops is essential. A teacher can only answer so many questions, they should know what advise can be given and when. They must work within the boundaries of their own knowledge base and work within internal and external awarding bodies requirements. (Reference class work 27th September) 2.2 Teachers must understand points of referral to meet the needs of learners. For example, if a client was to come in with a severe rash on her fingers, as a professional you could only advise the client on what u think it may be but advise them to contact their GP before any further treatment can take place. If a student was to ask questions about another subject such as hairdressing, the teacher would tell the student that they don’t know much about that subject but they can refer them to somebody who does, or say can I get back to you on that one and find out for sure the answer to their question. 3. Understand own responsibility for maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment 3.1 ‘’A suitable learning environment is crucial for effective learning to take place. This involves not only the venue and resources used, but also your attitude and the support you give to your students’’ (Gravells A 2012, pg 24). In providing an ideal learning environment you must consider your students health and safety needs, and ensure you work within the boundaries of your organisation policies. At no time should your learners’ health and safety be compromised. To provide ideal learning in your given environment you must arrange the space to be conductive to discussion, and you as a teacher should be easily seen by your students. Toilet facilities should be clearly accessible and any disabled needs should be met.  It is your responsibility to be prepared; making sure your environment is clean, and at the right temperature. If it is too hot, be considerate and open doors or windows- try to solve or manage the problem. Also the quality of your lesson, tells your learners, you are professional and serious about your job. (reference studymode.com) 3.2 Within a learning environment it is very important to lay the ground rules first thing, as setting ground rules provides the framework to promote respect and lay the basis for what will be expected during the course. “Setting ground rules will help everyone know their limits” Gravells. A, (2008 pg 7). Some ground rules could be health and safety regulations, deadlines, timekeeping and general good behaviour while in the learning environment, although some ground rules can be negotiable such as standard of dress, or whether learners are permitted to eat/drink in class. In the industry that I work in, it is quite a relaxed environment as the majority of my students are all adults that choose to be on the course because they have a passion for doing nails. A very effective way of establishing ground rules is coming up with a course contract together with all of your students so they are setting the rules for themselves and they are more likely to follow and respect them. (reference class work 13th September).