Outcome 1 Be able to develop positive relationships with children and young people
The learner can:
1. Explain why positive relationships with children and young people are important and how these are built and maintained
Positive relationships with children are paramount as a child enjoys being with you and feels valued will respond better. They are more likely to enjoy both playing and learning and in turn are more likely to show signs of positive behaviour. Building a positive relationship with children begins with considering their own individual needs and adapting the way in which you work to meet them as effectively as possible.
Each child should feel valued, nurtured and acknowledged although as a practitioner the way you go about this will vary according to each child’s personality and age. With babies for example, physical contact is important, while with slightly older children talking and playing, especially on a one-to-one basis with a key-worker, is a solid building block. Getting the parents involved from the very beginning with several visits so that the child can familiarize themselves with both the practitioner and the setting is key.
Consistency is important. The child needs to be confident that they way in which you respond to them and their needs is consistent. Having a key-worker who is only there (whether literally or metaphorically) only half of the time is not going to inspire confidence in the child which in turn is going to affect their relationship with you.
Observing, listening and responding to and respecting a child’s needs at whatever age is key; understanding that every child is an individual and will respond to different approaches needs to be considered at all times.
2. Demonstrate how to listen to and build relationships with children and young people
3. Evaluate own effectiveness in building relationships with