Positive and Trusting Relationships with Children in Early Years Settings

Jessica Johnson is Senior Lecturer in Early Years at Kingston University and currently Programme Leader for the Sector-Endorsed Foundation Degree in Early Years, Course Leader for the BA(Hons) 'top-up' in Early Years Education and Care, EYPS Senior Assessor and Project Leader for the Kingston, Merton and Richmond EYP Support Network. Rite of passage to this role started in the National Health Service, tuning in to babies, young children and their families at The Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street. They initiated ongoing curiosity in child development - specifically social and emotional relationships. Chameleon-like, she has experienced first-hand the challenges in creating positive, trusting relationships through roles in health, social care, education and as a mediator in the voluntary sector.

Why trust? The key to positive relationships Time to tune-in ... and out Respect for self and others Understanding relationships with children in the context of professional boundaries Trusting relationships as a secure foundation for children's learning Supporting other Early Years practitioners to build positive relationships Reflection and learning as an Early Years Professional