How to make sure each child is welcomed and valued

[Ruthierhyme]

Quote from the Playwork level 2 unit

Develop and maintain positive relationships with children and young people

How to welcome children and young people to the setting.
The communication skills you will need to use.
How to communicate well with children and young people at different ages.
Techniques for observing and listening to children.
The effects of discrimination and how to counter them

How to welcome children and young people to the setting

It is not only the environment that creates a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, it is also the people who are there. First impressions are important for parents and carers as well as the children and young people. As a playworker, you will need to develop a range of techniques and strategies for interacting with children and young people.

Techniques that you could use when children and young people come to the setting for the first time include the following:

• find out his or her preferred name; be sure you know how to pronounce it, and make an effort to use it show him or her around the facility or ask another child to do so.
  
• Remember to check that the child knows where the toilets are explain any routines that you use
• go over the evacuation procedures in case there is an emergency
• ask him or her if they know any of the children or young people who are already attending
• ask the child if they have any particular interests that you can discuss
• talk to the child and find out what he or she likes to do
• explain any health and safety issues and explain the guidelines for behaviour
• show the child what activities you have available and ask if he or she has played them before
• introduce yourself and the other workers and children
• explain your policy for free play activities
• get the child involved in an activity, and observe him or her during the initial and following sessions to ensure the child is settling in well
• make eye contact when you speak to the child and listen to his or her reply
• try to ask open questions (those that cannot be answered with just yes or no) eg. how, what, tell me,
  
• try to be at the same level (bend down for smaller children).

Whatever techniques you adopt, you must ensure that the activities are appropriate for the age and stage of development of the children and young people. Each child and young person is very different and may need to be treated individually, sometimes one-to-one, for example if you have a shy child you may guide them towards a one-to-one activity. You may need to monitor the noise levels in that particular area, and you should observe occasionally throughout the session to ensure that the child is settling in.

The communication skills you will need to use
The way that you communicate with children and young people will be determined by your personal approach. The method you choose will be the most appropriate for the child or young person and suitable for the specific situation. It may take the form of talking and listening or may involve other people, e.g. interpreters.

Keys to good practice: Listening skills

• Always listen attentively to what the child or young person is saying.
• Look interested and encourage the child to interact with you. It will be of great importance to him or her.
• Ask open questions (ones that cannot be answered with yes or no replies).
• Find topics of interest to you both.
• Use appropriate vocabulary to meet the child’s age and stage of development.
• Use humour appropriately; do not use sarcasm or put-downs.

Non-verbal communication
Your non-verbal communication, i.e. your gestures, actions and facial expressions, are as important as what you say. Children learn to interpret non-verbal communication at an early age. Think about how your face portrays your feelings.


How to communicate well with children and young people at different ages

Age/developmental level
Technique
4–7 years

• Use language they will understand.
• Listen carefully, show you are concentrating and interested.
• Be patient, you may need to explain things more than once.
• Use eye contact.
• Have a friendly approach; smile, listen and generally be easy to talk to.
• Do not assume they will not understand
  

8–12 years

• Encourage children and young people to express their opinions, ask them what they think and acknowledge their replies.
• Give explanations to back up what you are saying.
• Offer opportunities for them to express themselves, e.g. role-play, modelling, painting, drawing, writing.
• Encourage self-help and independence.
• Give them responsibilities.
• Introduce and encourage new vocabulary.
• Negotiate, listen to their side of disagreements, then come to an amicable agreement.
• Make time for individual attention.
• Show patience and understanding
  

13–16 years

• Find a common interest, e.g. video, music.
• Challenge stereotypical or racial discrimination, inappropriate terminology and swearing.
• Negotiate and look for compromises; listen to their reasons.
• Use humour appropriately; do not use put-downs or sarcasm, laugh at appropriate things, be sympathetic and show empathy.
• Give them space; use the correct supervision level, do not assume they always want an adult listening in.
• Treat them like adults; do not patronise or talk down to young people, empower them to express their opinions freely.
• Use communication to increase their vocabulary, discuss issues as you would with another adult.
• Use a variety of games to engage them in conversation, e.g. quizzes, board games, etc.
• Give them responsibility; let them take on regular interesting jobs, e.g. setting out an activity and not just clearing away

Playwork practitioners need to respond to children as individuals, and by giving respect you receive respect. Children need to feel safe and secure both in the play environment and with the adults who work there

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