Understand_the_Importance_of_Teamwork

Unit 7 – Understand the work of the team 3.1 Describe why teamwork is important in schools Team work in schools is important as it ensures that everyone will have a role and understand what that role is. Understanding that role allows tasks to be implemented efficiently and ensures a standard is set and maintained for everyone. Teamwork also encourages a supportive network throughout the class or school so that all key people are aware of what is planned and can support in the event of necessity, such as illness. Working in a team also allows you to observe how other people work, and how you can take those skills and adapt them to your own style. Knowing other peoples skills also allows you to plan more effectively by understanding what they can contribute to. For example at Forest School, each team member has a part to play to get 45 children organised, including toilet visits, dressing in water proof clothing and getting ready to leave the classroom. Each team member is aware of their role on that journey. 3.2 Describe the purpose and objectives of the team in which they work. The purpose of forest school is to provide an opportunity for learning through interactive experience away from the classroom. It gives the children a chance to get involved in outdoor activities and understand more about nature in a safe environment. For example the objective of getting from the class to the Forest School site is controlled by each team member having a role to ensure that from leaving the classroom to reaching the Forest School area, all the children are accounted for and know their boundaries, but are then free to explore within them. The children are asked to line up within their classes (rhinos and tigers) and the assistants complete a count of children before leaving the foundation stage playground, and then again on arriving at the site to ensure everyone is accounted for. From there, one member leads the group opening gates, one is at the end securing gates, and the others remain within the group ensuring that the children are happy and secure during the journey. On arriving at the Forest School site the children are reminded of the rules whilst there and the boundaries to stay within. They may be given a subject to think about, but are free to explore that subject as they wish, with encouragement provided by the teaching assistants and teachers. 3.3 Describe own role and responsibilities and those of others in the team. My role during forest school commences with the preparation of food and drink for the session, including temperature checks of the hot chocolate. I prepare hand washing water in a flask, again temperature checked, to take to the forest school area. I have to complete the temperature check to ensure that it is not too hot for the children, and doesn’t pose a scalding risk if spilt. The risk assessment for carrying out a forest school visit also requires an inspection of the site for hazardous objects. The lead team member completes a sweep of the Forest School area and ensures that it is clean and safe for the children to come up i.e. free from litter, dog mess, or other foreign bodies. For example, this week a lot of spent fireworks were removed as a result of the school display over the weekend. It is important that each team member understands their role within this team to eliminate the likelihood of something being missed. For example, if it wasn’t clear that my responsibility was to check the water temperature, it may not get done and could lead to an accident, and it also helps the efficiency of the team, so that team members aren’t duplicating the work I have already done. 3.4 Describe the importance of respecting the skills and expertise of other practitioners It is important to respect the skills of other team members, as sometimes they may be the only one with those particular skills. For example, sometimes during Forest School a fire pit is lit to toast crumpets or marshmallows. Only one member of the team is qualified to decide if it is appropriate to have a fire. She then has to ensure the team is fully aware of the activity and the risks identified, and that the children follow the established rules identified in the risk assessment at all times. As the class teacher is the only qualified member of staff to complete this, and is also the person identified in the risk assessment has having ultimate responsibility, it is important that all team members respect her guidance and follow her instructions at all times to ensure the safety of the children.