Develop positive relationships with children and young people
This subtopic equips learners with the skills and knowledge to foster professional, supportive relationships with children and young people in health and social care settings. It integrates understanding of relevant legislation, policies, and ethical guidelines, while emphasising practical communication and advisory techniques to empower young individuals effectively.
Assessment criteria
Topic Overview
The ProQual Level 3 Award in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills is a vocational qualification designed for individuals working or aspiring to work in health and social care settings in the UK. It covers essential skills such as communication, person-centred care, safeguarding, and supporting individuals with their daily living activities. This award is part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and is recognised by employers and regulatory bodies like the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Studying this award equips you with the practical knowledge and competencies needed to provide high-quality care in settings such as care homes, hospitals, domiciliary care, and day centres. The curriculum emphasises the importance of dignity, respect, and empowerment, aligning with the Care Act 2014 and the Health and Social Care Act 2008. You will learn how to work effectively as part of a team, communicate with individuals who have diverse needs, and understand legal and ethical frameworks that underpin care practice.
This qualification is ideal for those starting their career in health and social care or for experienced workers seeking formal recognition of their skills. It also serves as a stepping stone to higher-level qualifications, such as the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care or nursing degrees. By mastering these support skills, you will be better prepared to make a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals, promoting their independence and well-being.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Person-centred care: Tailoring support to the individual's preferences, needs, and values, ensuring they are actively involved in decisions about their care.
- →Safeguarding: Protecting individuals from abuse, neglect, and harm, following local policies and the Care Act 2014 principles.
- →Effective communication: Using verbal and non-verbal techniques, active listening, and adapting communication to meet the needs of individuals with sensory impairments or cognitive conditions.
- →Duty of care: Legal and ethical obligation to act in the best interest of individuals, balancing rights and risks.
- →Confidentiality: Handling personal information in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR, sharing only with consent or when required by law.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- Analyse the role of current legislation and national guidelines in shaping positive relationships with children and young people.
- Explain the psychological and developmental reasons why positive relationships are essential for young people's well-being.
- Demonstrate active listening and age-appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication to establish rapport.
- Apply principles of confidentiality and duty of care when providing information and advice to children and young people.
- Evaluate strategies for overcoming barriers to building relationships with children and young people in care settings.
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Award credit for accurate identification of key legislation (e.g., Children Act 2004, UNCRC) and its application to practice.
- Evidence of using open-ended questions, paraphrasing, and reflective responses during interactions.
- Demonstration of providing clear, unbiased information while clearly stating professional boundaries and signposting to additional support.
- Recognition of the importance of consistency and reliability in interactions to build trust over time.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡Use structured case studies to illustrate how legislation and communication models are applied in realistic scenarios.
- 💡Always explicitly reference the key values of the health and social care profession, such as person-centred practice and empowerment.
- 💡In written assignments, ensure you distinguish between informal support and formal advice-giving, and discuss the limits of your own role.
- 💡Use real-life examples from your work experience or case studies to illustrate your answers. This shows you can apply theory to practice.
- 💡Always link your answers to relevant legislation, such as the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, or Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Examiners look for evidence of legal understanding.
- 💡When discussing communication, mention specific techniques like open-ended questions, reflection, and summarising. Avoid vague statements like 'I talk to them'.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Confusing a professional, caring relationship with personal friendship, leading to breaches of professional boundaries.
- Providing advice that is directive rather than empowering, thus undermining the young person's autonomy.
- Neglecting to link practice to statutory guidance and policy, treating relationship-building as merely instinctive.
- Misconception: Person-centred care means always doing what the individual wants. Correction: It involves balancing their preferences with professional judgment, safety, and available resources.
- Misconception: Confidentiality is absolute and cannot be broken. Correction: Confidentiality can be breached if there is a risk of harm to the individual or others, or if required by law (e.g., safeguarding concerns).
- Misconception: Communication is just talking. Correction: It includes non-verbal cues, written records, and using aids like Makaton or picture cards for individuals with communication difficulties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for PROQUAL AWARDING BODY Develop positive relationships with children and young people
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 health and social care settings, such as the roles of different care workers.
- •Familiarity with key legislation like the Care Act 2014 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
- •Completion of Level 2 qualifications in Health and Social Care or relevant work experience is beneficial but not mandatory.
Coursework AI Review
Self-check your coursework evidence against P/M/D criteria
Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- Legislative frameworks for safeguarding
- Building trust and rapport
- Effective communication techniques
- Empowering children and young people
- Ethical boundaries and confidentiality
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