The move towards outcome-based services has both positive and negative aspects about them

The move towards outcome-based services has both positive and negative aspects about them. Erikson’s stages of development:
Erik Erikson (1902 – 1994) developed a theory that divides an individual’s life into 8 stages from birth to death. His theory suggests that the stages of an individual’s development are linked to social and cognitive development, rather than by the physical needs. His theory further looked at how an individual’s culture and society influence their development and he also believed that basic conflicts are encountered at each stage of development and that if this is not fully resolved at each stage, that it will have a increasing negative effect in later stages of development.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs:
Abraham Maslow (1908 – 1970), developed a theory that suggests that an individual’s needs must be met at a basic level and be satisfied at each level, before moving to the next one. At different times during an individual’s live, if a person are experiencing difficulties, they are likely to regress to a lower levels of the hierarchy, by prioritising more basic needs first. Maslow also identified that problems, or difficult stages in a person’s life may cause them to be fixated on a specific set of needs, which will ultimately affect progress to higher levels.
Urie Bronfenbrenner – Ecological Systems Theory:
Urie Bronfenbrenner (1917 – 2005), adopted a holistic perspective on human development. His theory strongly advocates a child-centred approach, looking at a child’s development within context of the system of relationships that form their environment. The different layers of the environment is:
Microsystem – immediate environment a child lives in
Mesosystem – the different parts of the microsystem that work together to meet the needs of the child
Exosystem – include people, settings and organisations that are not directly responsible for a child, but that have an impact on their lives
Macrosystem – cultural values, customs, politics, laws and economy that has an impact on the child and level of care they receive
Chronosystem – the environment in which a child lives that are always changing, which can have a positive or negative impact on a child’s development
Behaviourist Theories:
Developed from research from individuals such as Pavlov (1849 – 1936), Skinner (1904 – 1990) and Watson (1878 – 1958).
Pavlov found that some behaviour was a direct response to an external stimuli known as classical conditioning and that the response can be reduced or eliminated.
Skinner’s theory became known as operant conditioning, which is the process from which a behaviour type increases or decreases. Positive reinforcement will shape a child’s behaviour in a constructive way, such as praise.Negative reinforcements can increase unwanted behaviour, for instance a child that wants to do something they are not allowed to do, but then you give in.
Watson believed that any behaviour can be learned.
Attachment Theories:
For children to be able to master their environment successfully they need to be equipped with the ability and skills to investigate, experiment, develop ideas and concepts, reflect and analyse problems they are faced with, which in turn will develop their thinking and understanding processes. Children who form appropriate attachments and feel secure are more able to develop these skills and shows the importance of the role of the adult.
We follow the EYFS Statutory Guidance to develop policies and procedures and daily practices to support children within early years.The EYFS Statutory Guidance give information regarding Safeguarding, Learning and Development and Assessments, that will support positive outcomes for children.
All aspects of the guidance in the EYFS are linked with the theories of child development.
Erikson’s stages of development: the individual’s culture and influence from society influence their development. As part of Fundamental British Values, we teach children about valuing and respecting their own and others’ culture.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: by providing in a child’s basic needs, giving them security, a sense of belonging and building their self-esteem (resilience), they achieve self- actualisation.
Urie Bronfenbrenner – Ecological Systems Theory: the importance of building positive relationships with children and their families. The way that we interact with and support families will affect their children’s development. Increases our awareness of offering services that reflect the needs of the society, culture and community in which children live.
Behaviourist Theories: the importance of the role of the adults regarding a child’s behaviour can positively or negatively impact a child’s development. In our setting we focus on positive reinforcement to promote good behaviour, along with plenty of praise.
Attachment Theories: importance of attachment and the role of the adult. It also links in with Characteristics of Effective Learning for children to play and explore, be active learners and to think critically.
The theories of child development also underpin our policies and procedures in regards to the key person system (attachment), positive behaviour (behaviourist), but also the Fundamental British Values of teaching children about Individual Liberty, Rule of Law, Democracy and Mutual Respect and Tolerance for all faiths and beliefs.