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- Supports wellbeing and a child’s ability to learn
Evidence shows that positive relationships in schools support health and wellbeing – and they are also central to the learning process. Schools have the potential to be emotionally and mentally healthy environments, acting as ‘a secure base’ in which pupils can thrive, both emotionally and cognitively. For children, this means having a sense of safety and security and being respected and having a sense of being “known”, and this takes place in the context of relationships. Relationships can help us to feel safe, seen, soothed and able to share our worries and concerns. Early brain development and infant mental health studies all support this.
- Fosters empathy and understanding
Nurturing the power of listening and engagement supports school leaders and principals in responding to parents/staff/children’s needs and enhances understanding of what might lie behind some of the behaviours you see at school. For example, awareness of the impact of a transition, childhood adversity or conflict in the home will impact on a child’s ability to concentrate or engage. Wondering what has happened to someone rather than what is wrong with them is a first step towards compassionate communication and engagement, helping us to empathise, stay out of judgement, build trust and minimise conflict in a school. Taking a relationship-centred approach leads to the creation of a safe and secure school environment where the concerns and contributions of parents, children and staff are acknowledged.
- Empowers and protects
Being able to anticipate times of transition or change or picking up on and responding to those who ‘turn to’ us in distress (parents/staff/pupils) ensures that an individual feels seen, heard, supported and when appropriate, empowered. A relationship-centred approach can be structured so that you manage and protect your time and boundaries during those interventions for the wellbeing of all.
If you are interested in taking a relationship-centre approach in your school, please join us on our Centre of School Leadership (CSL)-endorsed ALBE4School Leaders – How and Why Relationships Matter in Schools.
Starting on Wednesday 11th October, this interactive, evidence-based training programme for principals and aspiring school leaders is delivered on-line in a safe and welcoming space.
We invite you to join us in this small group, reflective, experiential and nurturing online learning experience to deepen your understanding of why quality relationships in schools matter – and the impact they have on wellbeing and learning outcomes.
The programme also provides you with a framework to manage your time and boundaries for your own health and wellbeing via our ABLE brief intervention model.
Bookings are now open via robyn.pinkham@relationshipsinpractice.ie or phone her on (087) 1466011.
