I recently worked with a school to support a significant rapport-based initiative. Underpinned by the premise that high quality interactions and positive relationships are essential for effective teaching and care, the school agreed to support staff to engage in a rapport-based communication focus time for two full weeks.

During this time, staff were given permission to do less of their usual teaching and syllabus related obligations, giving more time to engage in sensitive, patient, playful child-led interactions. The aims of this project were:

1.⁠ ⁠For every child to have a bond with every member of staff in the class

2.⁠ ⁠For each member of staff to feel that they have better relationships with the children

3.⁠ ⁠⁠For each member of staff to have a deeper understanding of rapport-based communication and intensive interaction practice eg. 3C’s, 3 ingredients of rapport

4.⁠ ⁠⁠For class teams to have engaged in more reflective practice around rapport-based communiciation and intensive interaction

The efficacy of the project is currently being evaluated. Watch this space for more info.