‘Scottish Ministers have set an ambition for our country: that Scotland is the best place to grow up and bring up children.

To achieve that we require a positive culture towards children. One where children are welcomed and nurtured. One where we all are alert to their needs and look out for them. Where they are listened to – whatever their age – and where their views are heard and their rights protected. They should be respected as people in their own right. Not as economic units for the future. But as members of Scottish society now with rights to a present day life that allows them to fulfil their potential.’ (Scottish Government 2014)

Context for the Relationships Framework

Meeting the wellbeing needs of our children and young people, through Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) and the Children and Young People’s Act (2014), enshrines a rights-based approach to all our activity and interaction. A key component of the current priorities of the Alternatives to Education and Care Board, in parallel to GIRFEC developments, is to support and prevent relationship breakdown, wherever that might be e.g. home, school, community. It was agreed that there is a need to bring a universally shared understanding of this rationale and context across children’s services. The Relationships Framework Group is an effective way to do so.

The Evolution of Good Practice – A Shift in Thinking

There has been a positive shift from corporal punishment to relationships & self-regulation (as can be seen in the diagram below). This shift in thinking, research and practice has occurred in a relatively short period of time. The Relationships Framework Group is a useful means to articulate these changes.

Our Key Aspirations

The foundations to emotional wellbeing and SHANARRI wellbeing (Safe, Healthy, Achieving, Nurtured, Active, Respected, Responsible, Included) are safe and secure relationships. In the diagram below, the outcomes of safe and secure relationships can be seen.

Safe and Secure Relationships

Our children grow and develop best in the context of safe and secure relationships. The approaches in the diagram below can help create that environment for them through relationally enriched experiences.

Outcomes from Safe and Secure Relationships & Relationally Enriched Experience Approaches

8 Key Assumptions

1. Where a child or young person is experiencing difficulties we do not give up on them.
2. Practitioners do make a difference to attainment.
3. Behaviour is learned and, therefore, can be shaped by social context.
4. We work in collaboration with children, young people and their families. We interact rather than transact.
5. Approaches are most likely to be effective with an evidence and theoretical base, focused on prevention and early intervention, and supported by a model of implementation.
6. Planning should always be based on robust assessment.
7. Needs are best met through strong and effective relationships with all involved.
8. We continue to evaluate our own skills, attitudes and practice at all levels to ensure needs continue to be met.

The Relationships Framework Group

The Relationships Framework Group was formed in August 2015. It is chaired by a member of Psychological Services and comprises of representation from all sectors and East Ayrshire Support Team (EAST) in addition to a GIRFEC representative and Senior Education Managers. Education Scotland’s Inclusion team are also linked to the group on an advisory basis.