N.V.Q 3

Explain why positive relationships with children are important, how these are built and maintained, consider
• Communicating effectively
• Identifying and sorting out conflicts
• Being consistent and fair
• Showing respect and courtesy
• Valuing and respecting individuality etc.
It is extremely important to develop a good relationship with children from the beginning and to form the relationship as quickly as possible so that the child will settle more easily into a new routine and feel at ease and comfortable in their new surroundings. A good relationship can help the child develop in many ways such as their language development, which can improve tremendously if they are confident in asking questions and generally communicating with their carers. They will find it much easier to separate from their parents if they are comfortable and happy with whom they are going to. Children will find it much easier to participate in playing and other activities if they feel secure and it can give them more confidence. A good relationship can also deter unwanted behaviour and bring out the more positive behaviour in some children as we can recognise when a conflict might be beginning to arise and diffuse it before it develops. This also goes for more emotional children in that a carer will be able to recognise the change in the child and possibly distract them from their emotions. A good relationship between carers and children can help in the planning of activities, as they are more aware of their needs.

The principles of relationship building
• Communicating effectively
• Identifying and sorting out conflicts and disagreements
• Being consistent and fair
• Showing respect and courtesy
• Valuing and respecting individuality
• Keeping promises and honouring commitments
• Monitoring impact of own behaviour on others
• Keeping confidentiality as appropriate
• Recognising and responding appropriately to the power base underpinng relationships