Area 1: Principles

Explain why an effective communication is important in developing positive relationships with children, young people and adults
Language is one of the most important skills we will ever learn. Everything we do at home or work requires us to communicate with our families, friends and colleagues. Without language it is incredibly difficult to share our thoughts and feelings with others, to make lasting friendships, to give and receive information and to learn about the world in which we live.

Effective communication is vitally important in the development of positive relationships with children, young people and adults. I make sure that when I am communicating with young people and adults that clear boundaries, expectations and key issues are properly communicated to lay the foundations of our relationship. It is clear both within the school I work in and as a parent that the more involved parents are in their child’s education, the better the pupil performance and behaviour is at school. Whether, it’s just being aware of their progress and understanding their achievements and weaknesses, or parents taking a more active role and becoming involved with the school itself when they are able to. Effective communication with children and young people are important because:

1.When children feel comfortable with us they can separate more easily from their parents. Children are more likely to participate in the play and learning activities if they are secure emotionally and if they are connecting well communicating wise with the adults who are working with them

2. When children have strong relationships, they are less likely to show unwanted behaviour as we can recognise and meet their needs. They can communicate easily and show their trust on the adults working alongside them

3. Children’s language develops more quickly because they feel confident talking to us.

4. We can plan more accurately as they understand children’s developmental needs and know their interests.

5. We are able to respond to children more effectively because they can recognise their expressions and emotions.

Communication is a shared process. For example, providing information about school or classroom activities, teachers seek input from parents about the needs and aspirations of their children and their expectations for their children.
Use effective communication to build trust between school staff and parents. This includes clear and respectful messages, effective listening, following up on commitments and providing opportunities for 360 degree feedback.

The compelling case for communication

Effective communication between schools, parents, the community and students forms the foundation of developing and maintaining partnerships. To have a significant impact on student outcomes, communication needs to be focused on student learning. It must also be a genuine exchange of information and ideas between the school, the home and the community.Communication, in all its forms is a fundamental skill that you need to enable you to take an active part in family life, school, employment and social activities.

Explain the principles of relationship building with children, young people and adults?

In my view all good relationships are built on warmth, caring, mutual respect and a willingness to listen to and accept one another. Relationships with children are especially tender and deserve extra attention and care as children are developing their concepts of the world and their place in it. Children look to the relationships with caring adults in their lives to answer many questions. They want to know, "Do I belong?" "Am I doing all right?" "Do you see who I am?" and "Am I safe with you?"

They may not