Pen Green Centre for children and their families

The aims of this module are to enable students to:

• Understand how relationships in the early years impact on infant mental health and children’s social and emotional development.
• Critically reflect on their own practice and the practice in their setting and the impact on children’s relationships and wellbeing.
• Develop strategies to work alongside families, reflecting on interactions between parents and their young children.

Knowledge and understanding:

On successful completion of this programme a student will:

• Analyse established and current thinking around key concepts that affect children’s mental health and social and emotional development.
• Have a deep understanding of how high−quality practice supports childrens development and wellbeing.
• Synthesise ideas to develop a balanced view of theory appropriate to infant mental health, and early relationships.

Intellectual, practical and transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme a student will be able to:

• Devise a case study methodology to explore a child’s close relationships at home and/or within a setting, working collaboratively with parents, colleagues and/or professionals from other agencies.
• Identify practice improvements based on theoretical know ledge, practice wisdom and practical investigations,
• Be able to present a convincing argument which considers alternative viewpoints.

Scheduled Teaching, campus−based activities in general teaching spaces (e.g.lectures, 20 seminars, tutorials) 25 hours

Scheduled campus−based activities in specialist teaching spaces (e.g practical classes, 25 workshops, demonstrations) 10 hours

Directed independent study 65 hours

Self-directed independent study 200 hours

Total hours 300

Scheduled online activities (General Teaching/Specialist Teaching) 35 hours

Directed independent study 65 hours

Self-directed independent study 200 hours

Total hours 300

The focus of this module is on the emotional and social aspects of children’s learning. During the module you will be considering how children are fostering relationships between significant others and their peers. You will be introduced to some psychoanalytical theories alongside child development theories to deepen their understanding on children’s social and emotional learning and development. You will be introduced to the Tavistock method of observation and will be asked to apply this observational technique to their practice.

You will be asked to undertake a case study focussing on a child’s developing relationships in an ethical way. They will be required to demonstrate an ability to organise and communicate thoughts and ideas about relational theory and partnership working.

You will be supported during your study weeks to access relevant reading resources. Opportunities to discuss what constitutes meaningful relationships will be provided as well as discussions about differing theoretical perspectives. Using video as a tool for reflection will be explored.

Students will be offered 1:1 telephone and/or email support while they work on their assignment.

This module is assessed through coursework – written assignment.