Unit 203 Communications and professional relationships with children, young people and adults.
(1.1) Describe how to establish respectful, professional relationships with children and young people (1.2) taking into account their age and stage of development.
It is extremely important when working with children and young people that a positive relationship is established from the start. Each child needs to feel valued and be comfortable when approaching a teacher or teaching assistant for any reason.
I believe the key to achieving this is to listen to the child and giving them full attention at all times, maintaining eye contact, using positive body language and responding to them in an appropriate way ensures they know they have been listened to and interest has been taken in what they have to say.
Children should be treated according to their age and stage of development. For example younger children may require more attention and support. I may need to lower myself to their level whilst talking and make sure they have understood any instructions given. They may also need reminding at times of rules and on how to behave with other people, like listening and taken turns.
It is also important to get to know the children by finding out their names, hobbies, what they like or dislike or who their friends are.
It is essential that they are made to feel secure and respected whilst in my care. This can be achieved by keeping to a routine, making them aware of the rules to follow, discussing how I want us to work together and what is expected of them and what they can expect or want from me.
Therefore if I treat the children with respect and deal with them in a professional manner I can hopefully have a positive relationship where they trust and feel comfortable within my company.
(1.3) Describe how to deal with disagreements between children and young people.