CODE OF ETHICS - WORKING WITH CHILDREN

 

Young children develop best through close affectionate relationships and positive, responsive interaction with others, particularly adults but also with other children. Warm relationships are fundamental to meeting the young child’s need for love, security, recognition and encouragement.

 

Play Together Creche will ensure staff are fully informed and knowledgeable about their critical role in the lives of the children in their care.

 

Policies and Procedures

Adult/child interaction is a key element of working with children. Adults should in principle allow the children lead the activity and organize activities that reflect children’s interests - enjoyable, accessible to child.

 

This applies to ALL those working in Play Together Creche including employees, students and volunteers

 

Adults should adopt the following practices when interacting with children

 

DO...

•       Provide constant supervision to ensure children are safe

•       Make strong eye contact

•       Be at the child’s level - focus on the child/children.

•       Check the child is understood

•       Give encouragement and positive feedback

•       Work with the child to develop their skills in relation to mediation and conflict resolution

•       Extend the child’s language

•       Use clear communication skills - questions, responses, discussion, leading to other subjects

•       Ask questions - how did you do that? - tell me about that?, how?, why?

•       Use props

•       Be sensitive to the child’s needs and partnering play

•       Ensure the child is comfortable

•       Language - short repeat words, extend language - in line with the child’s developmental age

•       Use all occasions to engage children - greetings - lunch

•       Repeat your message if something is not correct (not in negative way)

•       Organise activities - that reflect children’s interests - enjoyable, accessible to child

•       Allow children - freedom of choices, within reason

•       Listen, encourage and praise - applies to adults, children, parents

•       Be a positive role model. Remember children learn what they see and hear

•       Encourage children to engage in activities which will calm or relax them

•       Be aware that the weather can effect children - rain, wind, heat

•       Follow the child’s lead

•       Have FUN!