SHC 31 (1.1)
The Different Reasons People Communicate
Good communication in the workplace promotes positive relationships with children, young people, parents, carers, staff and professionals. In the caring role it is highly likely to encounter other professionals such as doctors, nurses, social workers and therapists. It is essential care staff are equipped to communicate with these professionals to ensure all individuals have the correct information regarding the child concerned.
The staff should communicate with the children and young people to enable them to speak freely about their emotions, wants and needs. Children and young people may need to express their feelings through speech, play or sign either on a one-to-one basis or as part of a group discussion.
Parents, carers and family members may need to discuss various support options with a member of staff so it is imperative that the carer can communicate their needs to the support available to them such as social workers.
Promote Relationships and to Offer Support
People working with children/young people need to build positive relationships with parents/carers & families so they can gain their trust and give them the confidence to accept any support and advice offered to them. Regular contact with parents/carers strengthens the trust and helps to establish good relationships between the staff, children/young people, their families and other professionals.
Maintain Relationships
Each child needs a member of staff to act as their ‘key person’. This enables the staff member to fully understand the child’s needs through regular communication with the child/young person and their family. A trusting relationship can be built giving all parties confidence in their role within the setting and the child’s life.
Exchange Information
It is important to communicate information correctly with others such as passing information to other professionals. It is vital that the information being exchanged is...