Assessment task †SHC 21 Introduction to communication in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings Essay

Communication is about making contact with others and being understood. When communicating, people send and receive messages continuously. As an early years practitioner working with children and young people, effective communication is essential to ensure that I can create the best provision for the children and young people I am work with. In my setting, when you look at all the interacting and communications between children, young people and adults through the activities, it shows there are so many reasons why people communicate. Making relationships When we communicate, we make new relationships with children, parents, carers or colleagues. I should use positive communication skills to make a good first impression in relationships, for example, being friendly, smiling, shaking hands when I greet the person. Developing relationships As an early years practitioner, I should develop a relationship with children, young people, their parents, carers and colleagues by maintaining a friendly and supportive approach and by being interested in what other people are doing and feeling. This enables them to feel comfortable and secure, knowing that they can trust and rely on my professional service. Obtaining and sharing information As an early years practitioner, I may need to obtain and share information about children and young people who I work for with colleagues and other agencies to ensure the team is fully informed. I also need to communicate with children and young people or their family members about the care and support they received or about the kinds of services and facilities that are available in our setting. Expressing thoughts and ideas I may need to communicate with my colleagues to share my thoughts and ideas about aspects of practice in my setting, and also I should use effective communication skills to encourage children and young people to talk about what they have learnt, say what they think or express themselves imaginatively. Giving and receiving support Children and young people often seek reassurance from adults as a way of developing their self- confidence. As a practitioner, I should use my positive communication skill to praise them, give them time and attention to reward their efforts and achievements. I also should communicate with my manager and colleagues to receive the support and reassurance about my work performance. Expressing feelings, wishes, needs and preferences As an early years practitioner, I need use my positive communication skills to encourage children and young people to express their feelings and needs and to talk about how they wish to be treated, as well as to say what they like and dislike. In the early years setting, there are so many reasons people communicate, I should use communication skill positively and effectively to ensure good quality service.