Develop Positive Relationship with Children, Young People and Others Involved in Their Care
This subtopic focuses on the essential skills and knowledge required to form and maintain effective, professional, and supportive relationships with children and young people, as well as with parents, carers, and other professionals involved in their care. It covers communication strategies, understanding of child development, and the importance of trust and respect in collaborative care environments.
Assessment criteria
Topic Overview
The iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce is a foundational qualification for anyone starting a career in childcare or early years education. It covers essential knowledge and skills for supporting children's development, safeguarding, and promoting positive outcomes. This qualification is regulated by Ofqual and recognised by employers across the UK, making it a key stepping stone for roles such as nursery assistant, childminder, or teaching assistant.
The course is divided into mandatory units that explore child development from birth to 19 years, effective communication, equality and inclusion, and health and safety. You'll learn how to observe and assess children's progress, plan activities that support learning, and work in partnership with families and other professionals. The qualification also emphasises the importance of reflective practice, helping you continuously improve your own work.
This certificate is ideal if you're new to the sector or looking to formalise your experience. It provides a solid understanding of the legal and regulatory framework, including the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and the Children Act 2004. By the end, you'll be equipped to contribute effectively to a childcare setting and have a clear pathway to further study, such as the Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Child Development: Understanding the sequence and rate of development from birth to 19 years, including physical, intellectual, language, emotional, and social domains.
- →Safeguarding and Welfare: Knowing how to recognise signs of abuse, follow child protection procedures, and promote a safe environment in line with 'Working Together to Safeguard Children'.
- →Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: Applying inclusive practices that respect each child's background, needs, and abilities, and challenging discrimination appropriately.
- →Effective Communication: Using verbal and non-verbal techniques to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues, and adapting communication to meet individual needs.
- →Observation and Assessment: Using methods like narrative, time sampling, and checklists to monitor children's progress and plan next steps in learning.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- Demonstrate effective communication techniques to build rapport with children and young people of different ages and developmental stages.
- Explain the importance of maintaining professional boundaries while fostering positive relationships with children and young people.
- Analyse the role of trust and consistency in developing secure attachments with children.
- Apply strategies to involve children and young people in decision-making and promote their voice.
- Work collaboratively with parents, carers, and other practitioners to support the child’s holistic development.
- Reflect on personal practice to identify areas for improvement in relationship-building with children and colleagues.
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Award credit for demonstrating active listening skills in observed practice with a child.
- Evidence of using age-appropriate language and non-verbal communication.
- Documentation of partnership meetings with parents/carers showing shared decision-making.
- Reflective account identifying how own communication adapted to meet a child’s needs.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡Provide specific examples from practice to demonstrate your understanding of theoretical concepts.
- 💡Use the TEACH communication model (Tone, Eye contact, Attentive listening, Clear language, Humour appropriately) to structure your answers.
- 💡When reflecting on relationships, always link to theories of attachment or child development.
- 💡Use specific examples from your placement or work experience to illustrate your answers. For instance, when discussing communication, describe a time you adapted your language for a child with speech delay. This shows practical application.
- 💡Know the key legislation and frameworks by name and date, such as the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 2021 and the Children Act 2004. Examiners look for precise references to demonstrate your understanding of the legal context.
- 💡When answering questions about development, always link back to the expected 'sequence and rate' for the age range. Avoid vague statements like 'children develop at different rates' without specifying typical milestones.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Confusing being friendly with being a friend, thus overstepping professional boundaries.
- Assuming children’s needs are the same regardless of age or developmental stage.
- Neglecting to involve the child’s voice in care planning.
- Failing to communicate regularly with other professionals, leading to inconsistent care.
- Misconception: 'Child development happens at the same rate for all children.' Correction: Development is individual and influenced by genetics, environment, and experiences. Practitioners must avoid comparing children and instead focus on each child's unique progress.
- Misconception: 'Safeguarding is only about protecting children from abuse.' Correction: Safeguarding also includes promoting children's health, safety, and well-being, such as ensuring safe sleep practices, hygiene, and accident prevention.
- Misconception: 'Equality means treating every child exactly the same.' Correction: Equality is about ensuring fair access and opportunities, which may require different approaches to meet diverse needs, such as providing additional support for a child with a disability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for ICAN QUALIFICATIONS LIMITED Develop Positive Relationship with Children, Young People and Others Involved in Their Care
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •Basic understanding of child development stages (e.g., from GCSE Child Development or personal experience).
- •Familiarity with the concept of safeguarding (e.g., from a Level 1 qualification or workplace training).
- •Good communication skills, both written and verbal, as the course requires written assignments and interaction with children and adults.
Coursework AI Review
Paste your assignment brief and check your draft against its P/M/D criteria
Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- Communication and interaction strategies
- Building trust and emotional security
- Partnership working with families
- Professional boundaries and ethics
- Respect for diversity and inclusion
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