1. Understand why effective communication is important in the work setting
In the early years sector we are working with children and adults and the relationships we have with these people are very important. The skills of good relationships and good communication go hand in hand and to be a good practitioner you need to be an effective communicator.
People communicate for six different reasons at work and they are:
1. Building relationships
2. Maintaining Relationships
3. Gaining and sharing information
4. Gaining reassurance and acknowledgement
5. Expressing needs and feelings
6. Sharing ideas and thoughts
As good communication promotes good relationships it is crucial for practitioners to have good communication skills. With these skills we can then have strong relationships with children, parents, carers and other adults. Without these relationships it would be difficult to work successfully in the setting.
Communication to build good relationships will help children settle in to the setting and will also help parents to feel happy to leave their children. Once children are relaxed in the setting they can learn more effectively and if the practitioners communicate well they can help the children with their learning too. When children move between settings the transition will be easier if the adults have a good relationship and can share information well. Sharing and acquiring information is also important if we want to work well, we will need to share and acquire information with children, parents and colleagues. If we have good relationships with our colleagues then the teams will work well together, therefore giving the best support to the children and their families.
2. Be able to meet the communication and language needs, wishes and preferences of individuals
Effective communication is usually by face to face interaction, but we can also use the telephone, sign language, written communication (letters, emails,