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Responsive and Reciprocal Relationships
Responsive and Reciprocal Relationships at BestStart Te Whāriki
Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa Let us keep close together, not wide apart
The nursery team at BestStart Te Whāriki pride ourselves on developing strong positive relationships with the children in our care and their whānau. Strong connections and trust between families and the nursery team encourages infants to feel this too as they rely on their loved ones for guidance. Research states that the first 1000 days of life are a period of immense brain development as new connections are formed in the brain. Providing a low stress, rich and responsive relationship-based environment allows children to feel safe, protected and secure and sets the foundation for future success.
Upon transitioning into our nursery, the kaiako in the space will get to know each child, their parents and wider whānau. Settling visits are a way for us to welcome families and form connections, building key relationships and getting to know the children in our care. We use a key-caregiver system that allows us to form these strong bonds and provide infants with the comfort and security to know that they are safe and well cared for by someone they know and trust. Kaiako will honour and affirm the role of whānau supporting cultural values, aspirations and wishes for their children.
Over time these relationships are extended to the wider team as we all attend to the wellbeing of the children in our care. The ways we encourage positive relationships are embedded in the RIE philosophy we incorporate into our nursery practice. Feeding, nappy changing, and bottle times are all seen as times for unhurried care where we can engage in meaningful conversations and interactions with children. By responding to the non-verbal and verbal cues children provide, we reaffirm that they are valued and support their sense of belonging through secure attachment.
During these times we also use strategies such as; joint attention and serve and return interactions – reinforcing positive connections of safety within the brain. Creating a sense of belonging in children promotes further exploration and investigation into their own learning. Shared attention and listening to children encourage them to share their learning and excitement as we reinforce that we are interested in them and their passions.
At BestStart Te Whāriki we pride ourselves on our ability to work in partnership with families and the children in our care. Open communication and korero with our families each day about their children’s success and interests is joyful and promotes these positive relationships.