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Donna is six months old - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 11 - 2019 - Paper 2
Question 11
Donna is six months old. Her mother, Rose, decides to place Donna in day care. She places Donna in a nursery where there are other children of the same age and a var... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Donna is six months old - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 11 - 2019 - Paper 2
Step 1
Using research, describe the advantages for Donna of attending day care.
Answer
Attending day care can offer several advantages for Donna:
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Social Development: As Donna is six months old, attending day care allows her to interact with peers of a similar age. Research by Andersson (1992) suggests that children under one year tend to become more socially advanced by engaging with other children. This interaction can enhance her social skills as she learns to share and cooperate with others.
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Building Friendships: Day care provides an opportunity for Donna to establish friendships with other children. As she spends time in this environment, she will become more outgoing and develop connections with her peers, which can support her emotional development as well.
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Intellectual Growth: Studies by Sylvia et al. (2004) indicate that children who start nursery before three years old benefit intellectually. This environment promotes cognitive skills and better learning outcomes, which aligns with Donna’s developmental stage at six months.
Step 2
Describe what Rose could have considered when selecting a nursery that provides good quality day care.
Answer
When selecting a nursery for Donna, Rose should consider several factors:
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Staff Turnover: Rose should inquire about the staff turnover rate at the nursery, as a low turnover helps ensure that Donna forms lasting attachments with her caregivers. Stability in staffing promotes a sense of security for children.
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Child-to-Staff Ratio: It is important for Rose to verify that the nursery maintains an appropriate child-to-staff ratio. According to guidelines, a maximum of one staff member for three children is ideal, ensuring that Donna receives adequate attention and care.
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Staff Qualifications: Rose should also confirm that the staff members are adequately qualified. For example, staff should have at least Level 2 qualifications in childcare, which indicates they possess the necessary knowledge and skills to support Donna’s development.
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Focus on Individual Needs: Lastly, Rose should consider how well the nursery tailors care to the individual needs of the children. Ensuring that staff observe and attend to each child's unique developmental stages is crucial for promoting overall growth.