Corporate Policy

Policy:

PSK5.1 Interaction and Relationships with

Children Policy

Version.:

Quality area:

Quality Area 5: Relationship with Children

Date Approved:

January 2014

Scope of Policy:

Preschools

Next Review:

January 2015

Drafted by:

Jennifer OShannessy and Linete Williams

in collaboration with educators and families

Authorised by:

Jim Hungerford

Contents
Policy statement.........................................................................................................................2
Policy .........................................................................................................................................2
Services
Responsibilities..........................................................................................................................2
Preschools Responsibilities.......................................................................................................3
Statutory Legislation &
Considerations .......................................................................................................................... 4
Links to National
Quality Standard........................................................................................................................ 4
Sources.......................................................................................................................................4

Page 1 of 4

PSK5.1 Interactions and Relationships with Children Policy - Version

n. 2
Policy statement
The Shepherd Centre Preschool believes that emotional development and social relationships
are enhanced through genuine and thoughtful interactions with children. It is through the
development of trusting
relationships with educators and the childs engagement with their environment, that the
acquisition of skills for life and learning are fostered. Emotional development and social
relationships are enhanced through thoughtful conversation and discussion, promoting
childrens language and communication. Children
who experience relationships that are built on respect, fairness, cooperation and empathy are
given the opportunity to develop these qualities themselves. Children need to feel supported,
secure and included to have the confidence to explore, engage and learn. When children have
positive experiences of interactions, they develop an understanding of themselves as
significant and respected, and feel a sense of belonging. A
childs sense of wellbeing and
belonging is encouraged and enhanced through collaborative learning opportunities.
Policy
Services Responsibilities
The Approved Provider will:
Ensure that educators and staff are aware of the Preschools Policy, Preschool
Philosophy, The Code of Conduct, the Code of Ethics and staff responsibilities under the
NQS and current Regulations.
Establish practice guidelines that ensure interactions with children are given priority and
those interactions are authentic, equitable and respect difference.
Provide opportunities for educators and staff to engage in professional development, that
supports the practice of authentic, positive and respectful interactions with children.
Ensure educators/staff have the opportunities to discuss openly with relevant educators/staff
members, situations that may arise, so as to continue and promote positive interactions with
children.
Have practices in place to ensure the dignity and rights of every child are maintained at all
times.
Ensure staff are aware of the Privacy and Confidentiality Policy in relation to
children and in respect of their individual family circumstances.

Preschools Responsibilities
Educators and Staff will:
Page 2 of 4

Respond to children's communication in a just and consistent manner

Respond sensitively to children's attempts to initiate interactions and conversations

Initiate one to one interactions with children

Support children's efforts, assisting and encouraging as appropriate

PSK5.1 Interactions and Relationships with Children Policy - Version

n. 2

Convey respect in regard to the childs temperament, cultural background and

competence through interactions

Staff will use learning experiences and routine situations (toilet training, meal times
and dressing) to allow individual children the opportunity to develop a sense of
autonomy, self -reliance and positive sense of self.

Staff will be aware of the Code of Conduct, the Code of Ethics and Centre policies to
ensure quality child/ staff interactions.

Staff are aware of the Privacy and Confidentiality Policy in relation to children and in
respect of their individual family circumstances.

Support childrens secure attachment through consistent and warm nurturing

relationships.

Support childrens expression of their thoughts and feelings.

Encourage children to express themselves, showing an interest and participating in

what the child is doing, when appropriate.

Encourage children to make choices and decisions

Acknowledge childrens complex relationships and sensitively intervene in ways that

promote consideration and alternative perspectives and social inclusion. Guidance
strategies should be reflective of this approach.

Acknowledge each childs uniqueness in positive ways

Respect cultural differences in communications and consider alternative approaches to

their own.

Statutory Legislation & Considerations

Page 3 of 4

Education and Care Services Regulations 2011: 155, 168Children (Education and Care
Services National Law Application) Act 2010
Links to National Quality Standard
5.2.1; 5.2.3; 7.3.5
Sources
Belonging Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia Child Care Co-operative

Page 4 of 4