Developing positive relationships is a key principle of An Cala.

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Relationships are based on mutual respect, understanding and acceptance, in a supportive and nurturing environment.

The ‘Practice, Training and Development Guidelines…Building Positive Relationships for School Improvement’ identify that:

“We are each of us in control of, and are repsonsible for, our actions and this applies to adults as well as children and young people. How we conduct ourselves, the models we provide for children and the language we use in our interactions with colleagues and with children in our schools are therefore very important and are our responsibility.

Although we can sometimes find it difficult to understand why a child or young person may behave as they do, it is crucial to accept that people are different, that they experience the world differently, they experience different feelings sometimes in the same situation as others and they may have different wants and needs to each other. It is therefore important to have a good understanding of different learning stances, interactional styles and different learning styles, in order that we might be able to differentiate the curriculum, our interactions, the teaching task, the method of delivery of information and the organisational layout of the teaching and social environment within our schools.

This provides the building blocks for inclusive practice in school and accepting people for who they are, even through we may not necessarily accept all of their behaviours. We should understand that feelings and behaviour are separate, that being in touch with our feelings does not mean being out of control ourselves and our behaviour. We may need to teach others at times that although their feelings are valued, understood and important, the behaviours resulting from these feelings may not be acceptable.

In order to be supportive in the most difficult situations it is important to maintain the belief that change is possible, including change in ourselves. This allows us to to look for the positive changes that we see in other that can be highlighted and expanded upon as this will often lead to further changes and growth.’

 

For further information on Positive Relationships, contact Linda Thom (Promoting Positive Relationships Team).