1.1 Describe how you would establish respectful, professional, relationships with children and young people.
It is important to establish respectful and professional relationships with children and young people as a role of a Teaching Assistant. A relationship in which a child trusts and respects their teaching assistant and feels comfortable in their company, will allow you to offer a supportive and caring environment in which the child can learn and develop.
Listening is arguably the most important way in which to establish a respectful and professional relationship with a child or young person. By listening to what a child has to say, without interruption, conveys to the child that you are in interested in and values what the child has to say. By not interrupting the child, it shows that their views and opinions are not only respected by you, but are also as important as the views and opinions of you themselves. You should also take an active interest in what the child has to say and an interest in the child themselves. For example, what are their hobbies, their interests, their likes and dislikes? .
Children respond to routine and rules and should be made aware of what the rules are and the consequences of breaking rules. By doing this, this will enable you to explain to the child that the punishment they have received for breaking a rule ‘is fair’. Fairness helps to establish respectful relationships. Children are very aware of the concept of fairness and the statement ‘it’s not fair’ is often heard within the classroom.
Every child should feel secure and valued no matter of their culture, abilities, sex or race and your interactions with the child or young person should demonstrate this at all times. It is important you establish these ground rules and mutual respect right from the beginning, as well as discuss the factors with the pupils that are important when working together. It is crucial that you start by talking about how you