SHC31 Promote communication in children’s and young people’s settings

1.1 Indentify the different reasons people communicate (who you communicate in your setting and what you communicate to them)

Working with children involves building up relationships and communication. There are different reasons why people communicate: * To share ideas and thoughts * Building relationships –with parents/carers, members of management and staff * To maintain relationships – getting to know parents/carers, child’s background, colleagues by saying “Hello, Goodbye, How was your day etc…”in a nice and smile manner * Gaining and sharing information – from parents/carers, children, young people, colleagues etc… * Gaining reassurance and acknowledgement – children and young people by eye contact, showing interest in what they are doing, cuddles, praise them Colleagues – being supporting and caring * Expressing needs and feelings

Every day I need to communicate with children, their parents/carers, colleagues, management. Communication with children involves an eye contact, lower to the child’s level; I need to speak clear and to repeat if needed, always to choose age appropriate subjects and activities. Communication with parents/carers is related to the child’s routine during the day, can be more complex and respectful. Communication with colleagues and management is work related topics, personal experience and needs, different subject etc.

1.2 Explain how communication affects relationships in the work setting

Good communication is very important when working with children, young people and their families. It is also essential to establish good communication with work related people and colleagues. Good communication leads to strong relationships in the setting. * Sharing and gaining information – child’s routine, play and activities interests, health , medical conditions * Settling in – good communication and build in relationships will make child’s settling easier and less stressful and frustrating for parents too. * Supporting children’s play and learning – observe children’s play to find out their interests, talk to them to find out what they enjoy doing and playing with, * Transitions – is easier for the children to settle in when adults involve share information and have good relationship. * Effective teams –strong and professional relationships and communication are very important for efficient work.

2.2 Describe the factors to consider when promoting effective communication

There are different types of communication: face to face interaction, phone, sign language, letters, e-mails, etc… Other factors to consider are * Environment – we need to consider quiet place when communicating * Proximity, orientation and posture – these factors are important to consider when communicating with babies, older children or parents. We need to use appropriate distance, body position and gestures when communicating * Listening skills – it is important to give full attention and showing interest in the subject. This is essential for children’s speech development and confidence * Time – when communicating with children is important to give them enough time to think and express themselves, it builds their confidence and self-esteem.

3.1 Explain how people from different backgrounds may use and/or interpret communication methods in different ways

Communication can be slightly different when using it with other people from different backgrounds. Communication can be interpreted in different ways by different people, this is because they may not speak English, if from a different country, religion, culture or they may not understand you. Children from different backgrounds can communicate by doing what they like best. Children could use body language and facial expressions to express their needs or what