Working with Families

DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS

I am confident I have a range of communication methods which suit the needs of the families I work with
as:

I have a clear understanding of how each parent/carer prefers to communicate and how this is manageable.

I understand the principles of data protection and confidentiality.

The social media sites I use have appropriate privacy settings.

Reflective questions…

What methods do I use to encourage families to communicate in a meaningful manner?

How well do I gather feedback from children, parents and carers about how effectively I communicate?

Education Scotland Quality Indicators
Learning provision: 2.7 Partnerships – Engagement of parents and carers in the life of the setting; The promotion of partnerships; Impact on children and families

I am confident I can negotiate with families about their expectations of care
as:

I have clear information available for parents.

I regularly collect feedback and use this to improve and adapt my service

Written agreed contracts are signed and dated showing review and renewal if appropriate.

Reflective questions…

What methods do I use to share information with parents and carers?

How do I gain feedback about my service and parents/carers expectations, and how do I use this to improve my service?

Education Scotland Quality Indicators
Learning provision: 2.6 Transitions – Quality of support for children and their families; Collaborative planning and delivery; Continuity and progression in learning

Learning provision: 2.7 Partnerships – Engagement of parents and carers in the life of the setting; The promotion of partnerships; Impact on children and families

MY SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
I am confident that I am meeting the needs of my own family whilst caring for other children
as:

I regularly review the impact of business on my own family life.

Reflective questions…

What methods do I use to gain feedback from my own family about the impact of my business on family life?

Education Scotland Quality Indicators
Leadership and management: 1.1 Self-evaluation for self-improvement – Collaborative approaches to self-evaluation; Evidence-based improvement; Ensuring impact of success for children and families

DEVELOPING PARTNERSHIPS
I am confident I know what I can and can’t discuss with families if I have any concerns about a child in my care
as:

I have clear child protection procedures which I give to families at the initial contract meeting.

I can, and do, seek advice from appropriate professionals when I need to.

Reflective questions…

How do I update my knowledge about safeguarding and child protection?

When do I have the opportunity to discuss appropriate sharing of information?

Education Scotland Quality Indicators
Learning provision: 2.1 Safeguarding and child protection – Arrangements for safeguarding, including child protection; Arrangements to ensure wellbeing; National guidance and legislation

I am confident I can work with families to encourage healthy behaviours
as:

I share the strategies I use to promote healthy lifestyle with the children and with parents.

I share a information with parents/carers as appropriate using a variety of methods.

Reflective questions…

What activities and experiences do I create with children to promote health and wellbeing and how do I share these with families.

How well do I know individual family’s needs?

Education Scotland Quality Indicators
Learning provision: 2.7 Partnerships – Engagement of parents and carers in the life of the setting; The promotion of partnerships; Impact on children and families

I am confident parents/carers can approach me to resolve any issues, however they have clear information about Care Inspectorate procedures with regard to making a complaint
as:

I am proactive in seeking feedback about my service from children and parents.

I have a clear complaints policy with information about how to complain via The Care Inspectorate.

Reflective questions…

How effective am I in resolving issues informally with parents and carers?

How effective is your complaints procedure in setting out clearly the process for parents to follow?

Education Scotland Quality Indicators
Leadership and management: 1.4 Leadership and management of practitioners – Governance framework; Building and sustaining a professional team; Practitioner wellbeing and pastoral support

I am confident I have access to a range of support services which can support the families I work with
as:

I have information about local and /or national support agencies who can support children.

Reflective questions…

In what ways do you provide helpful information to parents in relation to children care and learning needs?

Early Years Information Pathway for professionals

Education Scotland Quality Indicators
Learning provision: 2.4 Personalised support – Universal support; Role of practitioners and leaders; Identification of learning needs and targeted support; Removal of barriers to learning

Learning provision: 2.7 Partnerships – Engagement of parents and carers in the life of the setting; The promotion of partnerships; Impact on children and families