Quality Area 5 – Relationships with children

Standard 5.1 Relationships between educators and children - Respectful and equitable relationships are maintained with each child.

Case study 1

Family day care educators in a large regional city attended a professional learning session organised through the service’s coordination unit that focussed on relationships with children. The principle of secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships was a lively topic of a recent discussion on the approved learning frameworks and the principles and practices supporting children’s learning.

Case study 2

This service is situated in a rural town and is one of two services providing long day care in the town. It has established a networking group with other early education and care services in a nearby regional city.

The service’s vision, for all children to flourish, as well as their commitment to uphold the rights of children as documented in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, is reflected in their philosophy, policies and procedures. It is also an ongoing discussion point in team meetings, so that this vision remains front of mind for every educator and guides their everyday practice.

Standard 5.2 Relationships between children - Each child is supported to build and maintain sensitive and responsive relationships.

Case study 1

Educators from this preschool / kindergarten service situated in an outer city suburb dedicate time during their regular staff meetings to critically reflect on their practice. As a starting point in reviewing their practice in relation to Standard 5.2, staff reflected on the overarching questions contained within the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). This caused them to think more deeply about their current practice in supporting children’s relationships. This included what theories, philosophies and understandings shape and assist their work, as well as considering whether some children might be advantaged or disadvantaged when educators work in particular ways.

Case study 2

This outside school hours care service (OSHC) located in the outer suburbs of a large metropolitan city offers before and after school care and vacation care. The service is located on school grounds and has a strong, long standing relationship with the school’s leadership team and teaching staff. The OSHC service and school have shared values, which include respect, empathy, responsibility and collaboration. These values underpin their vision to provide a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment and sense of belonging for everyone.