Describe how the Early Years practitioner supports a child to prepare for a stay in hospital

Qualification: Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator
Unit: Unit 1.5: Understand how to support children who are unwell
Learning outcome: 6. Understand how to support children for planned hospital admission
Assessment criteria: 6.1 Describe how the Early Years practitioner supports a child to prepare for a stay in hospital

• A stay in hospital can be daunting or even frightening for a child, so steps must be taken to prepare them
• Early Years Practitioners will work with parents and carers and sometimes hospitals to reassure the child and deliver a consistent message
• Children should be provided with accurate information about what will happen in hospital – the hospital may even arrange for a visit beforehand to have a look around
• Leaflets, stories and films may be used to prepare the child
• Roleplay/playing with toys can be used to learn about hospitals
• A child may find reassurance by speaking with other children that have stayed in a hospital