Communicating Care

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Being able to communicate is essential, no matter what line of work you are in.  It is especially important when working in childcare as not only do you need to communicate with children by supporting them in what they are doing, but help them to make their own choices too.  You will also be communicating with staff. This will be on a range of things from the individual development of a child, to raising any issues, again about development, or safeguarding.  An example of this may be while changing a nappy, you notice some bruises behind their legs and on the ribs.  A member of staff needs to be able to communicate to the correct person their concerns.

As practitioners we will be speaking directly to parents as well, and it is important that a member of staff can be professional and able to communicate any concerns, praise accidents or incidents to parents.

It is for these reasons, we must exercise caution when hiring new members of staff.
KP

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Practitioners need to communicate because they need to help the children develop their own communication and language skills.  Although someone may have qualifications, it does not mean they will be able to do the role.  Children will not be able to  - or get the chance to - develop socially if communication skills are lacking in the staff, and this may lead to a child lacking in confidence or having low self esteem.

Children will see members of staff as a role model and someone whom they can look up to.  Therefore, if a staff member has poor communication skills, a child may also develop poor communication skills towards others.  They may not know the best way to communicate with people or what to say in certain situations if they see an adult act in that way.

If someone has poor communication skills, they may also teach children who have English as an Additional Language the incorrect language!
KG