Relationships & Interactions

Staff in a childcare setting should encourage positive interactions between children. They should actively engage in interactions with children individually and in groups and support in the development of relationships between both children and staff and children together.

Things to look for:

  • A warm, welcoming and relaxed atmosphere
  • Children looking comfortable and appearing relaxed
  • Positive interaction between staff and children
  • Opportunities for children to play in pairs, groups or individually.

Important questions

  • Does the service have a key worker system in place?
  • Do siblings and children of different age groups mix during the day?
  • Does the service have a positive behaviour policy and how are instances of negative interactions dealt with?