The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education
Fostering constructive interactions (child/child, child/adult and adult/adult) requires explicit policies, procedures and practice that emphasise the value of process and are based on mutual respect, equal partnership and sensitivity.
Component 5.1 | Component 5.2 | Component 5.3 | Component 5.4 | Component 5.5 | Component 5.6
Component 5.1 - Each child is enabled to interact with her/his peers and with children of different ages in pairs, small groups and, to a lesser degree, in large groups.
Signposts for Reflection - General
5.1.1How does your planning reflect the child's potential to learn in collaboration with others? See 6.6 See 7.4
Birth - 18 months
5.1.2In your care routines, can you indicate how you show sensitivity towards the child's signals and cues and how you respond appropriately, adequately and consistently?
How do your interactions with the child enhance her/his potential to interact positively with other children?
5.1.4Describe how you engage the child's interest (including the child with special needs) in objects, in her/his surroundings and in social interactions with others?
12 - 36 months
5.1.5Throughout the daily routine, what opportunities does each child have to interact with another child or with a small group of children?
Think about (e.g.)
What arrangements are in place to enable children to mix with children of other ages?
Think about (e.g.)
How do you manage group work within your setting?
Think about (e.g.)
2 1/2 - 6 years
5.1.9Component 5.2 - Each child receives appropriate support to enable her/him to interact positively with other children.
Signposts for Reflection - General
5.2.1What kinds of opportunities do you provide which encourage the child to interact with others in peer groups and across the age range in your setting?
What is your role in supporting the child to interact with other children?
Think about (e.g.)
What kind of co-operative interactions between a child and another child (or children) have you observed and noted?
Think about (e.g.)
Birth - 18 months
5.2.4What arrangements do you have in place for the child to have contact with other children in the company of her/his key worker? See 9.6
12 - 36 months
5.2.5Same as 5.2.4
What strategies are in place to manage conflicts between children?
Think about (e.g.)
2 1/2 - 6 years
5.2.7How do you enable the child who consistently plays alone to interact with other children?
In what ways are children facilitated to work together in small groups?
Component 5.3 - The adult uses all aspects of the daily routine (both formal and informal) to interact sensitively and respectfully with the child.
Signposts for Reflection - Signposts 12 - 36 months
5.3.1What kind of interactions do you have with the child during your daily care routines?
Think about (e.g.)
What other opportunities do you create every day to interact verbally and non-verbally with the child?
How do you show the child that you enjoy developing your relationship with her/him through sensitive and responsive interactive play? See 6.6
How do you go about giving the child a strong sense of security in being with you in the setting? See 9.6
12 - 36 months
5.3.5What opportunities do you avail of in order to interact positively with the child?
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How do you use these ongoing opportunities?
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In what way can non-verbal interactions show warmth and support?
How can you ensure that the child feels secure with you? See 9.6
2 1/2 - 6 years
5.3.10Component 5.4 - The adult interactive style is focused on process as opposed to outcomes. It is balanced between talking and listening, offers the child a choice of responses and encourages expanded use of language. It follows the child's lead and interests, and challenges the child appropriately.
Signposts for Reflection - General
5.4.1How do you make sure that your interaction with the child lasts for a meaningful length of time?
Think about (e.g.)
In keeping the interaction going for a meaningful length of time, what does the process offer the child?
Think about (e.g.)
If applicable, how do you change/vary your style of interaction to match the actions of a child with special needs?
How can your responses support a child towards new learning and meaning?
Birth - 18 months
5.4.5How do you reflect the elements of this Component in your interactions and relationship with the child?
5.4.6When you are having 'conversations' with the child, how is the listener/speaker relationship developed?
5.4.7How do your responses to the child reflect the inflections and patterns of adult conversation?
12 - 36 months
5.4.8How do you draw on the child's previous learning to support 'meaning making?'
Think about (e.g.)
In interacting with an individual child or a group of children, what are the challenges for you in making sure the child does most of the talking?
What impact does group size (small/large) have on the amount of talking you do?
Think about (e.g.)
What observations do you make when you are listening to children's interactions?
Think about (e.g.)
Can you give an example of an interaction with a child in which you followed the child's lead?
Can you give an example of an interaction which you initiated?
When you review an interaction you had with a child/group of children, what changes, if any, would you make to your interactive style?
2 1/2 - 6 years
5.4.16In your interactions with the child, what process characteristics do you emphasise?
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What do you try to achieve through your responses to the child?
Think about (e.g.)
In the context of the previous two Signposts, what are the challenges in interacting in this way with a child or group of children?
If challenges have been identified, what strategies can be developed to meet these challenges?
Component 5.5 - Interactions between the adults within, and associated with the setting, act as a model of respect, support and partnership for the child.
Signposts for Reflection
5.5.1How do your interactions with parents model friendly respect and partnership? See 3.3 See 11.5
If you work as part of a team, what positive attributes are evident in the way in which team members work together? See 10.5
Think about (e.g.)
How does the nature of the interactions between the adults within the setting impact on the child's learning and development?
Are there opportunities for the child to observe adults modelling positive interactions?
Think about (e.g.)
Component 5.6 - There is a clear written policy and associated procedures which underpin interactive practice taking place within the setting.
Signposts for Reflection
5.6.1What does your policy say about interactions between children and adults?
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How are children involved in devising and implementing the policy on positive behaviour? See 4.1
Think about (e.g.)
What procedures have you put in place to deal with unacceptable behaviour from the child?
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What procedures have you put in place to deal with bullying? See 14.3
Think about (e.g.)
How does your policy characterise interactions between adults working in the setting and children?
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What procedures do you have in place to ensure that adults are able to conduct interactions with children in keeping with your policy?
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How does practice in your setting mirror your policy and implement your procedures?
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