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Quality of Film
Once again the film is of extremely high quality and matches the very good standard of other Siren productions.
There are so many beautiful close up scenes up of Ava at home and at nursery, but I particularly liked the images of Ava engaged in solitary play and demonstrating empathy.. There are also some very telling shots showing Ava’s mixed feelings when first separating from mum
Tone, Sequence and Structure
The commentary is extremely good – clear and straightforward and just sufficient to throw light on the various sequences. Peter’s sensitive contributions helpfully explain how Ava’s relationship with her mum and Claire illustrate good key person practice. Peter provides a lucid description of the role of the key person; he includes some important teaching points, for example how a child who has experienced a strong first attachment may show distress when starting nursery but also how close attachments at home help children to make a strong attachment at nursery. Also the importance of appropriate physical contact.
The structure of the film allows us to follow Ava’s increasing independence, her developing use of language and exemplifies her as an eager learner. The separate interview with Peter Elfer offers full responses to most questions that students and practitioners have about the key person and stands by itself as a good teaching session.
Content
The film depicts such a very positive picture of parenthood with mum genuinely enjoying Ava and tuning into her feelings and interests at all times. In the sequence showing a day with mum every opportunity is taken to encourage Ava to explore simple everyday events. Similarly Claire offers a model of a key person which should be very helpful to practitioners taking on this role.
There is realism as well – the way in which mum handles Ava’s temper tantrum in the supermarket and how she supports Ava to resolve altercations in play with Esther – both very common scenarios.
Audience
This film is relevant and important to a number of audiences.
Parents often find two and here year olds quite challenging as they become more autonomous –and yet still seek support as babies. This film would reassure and offer so many sensitive messages about how to enjoy living with a child of this age group and how to prepare them for life in a group setting.
There is a wealth of information for students and practitioners about the role of the key person . The material is also ideal for making child observations. Some sequences could be shown without sound for example to encourage trainees to concentrate on Ava’s expressions and movement when she starts at the nursery.
Now that all children in the EYFS are required to have a key person, this film would be extremely useful for reception teachers who are unsure what the role involves.