1.1 Explain how to recognise and build on the strengths of a child or young person by giving different examples of positive strategies

This. guide will help you answer 1.1 Explain how to recognise and build on the strengths of a child or young person by giving different examples of positive strategies.

Recognising and building on strengths means looking carefully at what a child is good at, what they enjoy, and what makes them feel confident. It is about focusing on abilities rather than only looking at areas they struggle in. This approach gives children a sense of achievement and can help them grow in self-esteem and resilience.

By paying attention to strengths, adults working with children can give appropriate opportunities to develop these further. This can help the child in learning new skills and achieving positive outcomes in many areas including social, emotional, and educational development.

Observing to Identify Strengths

Observation is a structured way to find out what a child or young person can do well. This might be formal, such as written observations for assessments, or informal during everyday activities.

Observation can focus on:

• Interests and preferences
• Social interactions with peers and adults
• Problem-solving skills
• Physical coordination
• Communication ability
• Creativity and imagination

For example, you might notice a child who enjoys drawing and who spends much of their free play time sketching. Recognising this can lead to opportunities to support artistic strengths.

Listening to the Child or Young Person

Children and young people often tell you about their strengths if you give them the space to talk. Listening involves asking open questions and being attentive to what they say and how they say it.

Examples of approaches include:

• Asking what activities they enjoy most at school or in childcare settings
• Paying attention to how they talk about tasks they find easy
• Noting positive feelings they express when discussing hobbies

Active listening means responding respectfully and showing the child their ideas are valued.

Using Feedback from Others

Parents, carers, teachers, and peers can give valuable information about what a child does well. Feedback might include:

• Academic achievements
• Behavioural strengths such as kindness or helpfulness
• Sporting talents
• Leadership qualities within group activities

Gathering views from different people helps you build a fuller picture of the child’s strengths.

Reviewing Past Achievements

Looking back at previous work or achievements allows you to see patterns of success. This might involve:

• Reviewing school reports
• Looking at certificates from sports or arts events
• Discussing previous challenges they have overcome

Past achievements give clues to areas of ability and sustained interest. This can be used to guide future opportunities.

Encouraging through Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement strengthens abilities by linking them with praise or rewards. When a child uses their strengths, give immediate encouragement.

Examples of positive reinforcement include:

• Verbal praise
• Stickers or certificates
• Displaying their work in a public space
• Giving responsibilities linked to their skills

For example, if a young person is skilled in organising tasks, they might be asked to help plan a group activity. Praise given for this can boost their confidence.

Providing Opportunities for Skill Development

Once strengths are identified, provide chances to develop them further. This can mean extra practice, special projects, or targeted support.

Examples:

• Artistic child given access to art materials and time for creative projects
• Sporty child encouraged to join school or community teams
• Child with strong literacy skills offered the chance to help with reading sessions for younger peers

Providing the right opportunity lets the child see real progress in their area of strength.

Setting Achievable Goals

Goals give direction and motivation. Focus on strengths when setting them so the child has a good starting point.

A goal might be:

• Improving a skill they already have through more complex activities
• Trying a new role linked to a strength
• Taking part in competitions or events related to their ability

Goals should be realistic so the child can experience success without feeling overwhelmed.

Linking Strengths to New Learning

A child’s abilities can support areas where they feel less confident. You can use strengths as a bridge to learning new skills.

Example approaches:

• Using a love of art to introduce new concepts like maths through drawing patterns
• Linking strong storytelling ability to history lessons by encouraging them to narrate events
• Using physical strengths in sports as a way to learn team skills

This connection keeps learning positive and familiar.

Building Resilience Through Strengths

Resilience means coping with setbacks and recovering from challenges. When children use their strengths, they feel more secure and capable. This can help them face areas they find harder.

Strategies include:

• Reminding them of times they succeeded
• Encouraging them to apply skills in different situations
• Supporting problem-solving using their best abilities

This helps them take a positive mindset into new or difficult tasks.

Adapting Support to the Child’s Needs

Every child develops differently. Use the strengths you identify to plan support that suits the individual.

Approaches might be:

• Extra teacher time for a child with academic abilities to explore challenging tasks
• Peer mentoring for a child with leadership skills
• Tailored activities for a creative child, linking learning objectives to art or music

Adapting support increases engagement and confidence.

Working with Families

Families often see strengths that may not be visible in education or care settings. Working alongside them can extend opportunities for development.

Ways to work with families include:

• Sharing observation notes
• Asking what the child enjoys at home
• Encouraging family involvement in projects linked to the child’s abilities
• Discussing ways to build on strengths outside the setting

Family cooperation can reinforce messages and encouragement.

Encouraging Peer Support

Peers can help strengthen abilities by sharing and working together. This might happen through group tasks or social activities.

Positive strategies might be:

• Pairing children with similar strengths for joint projects
• Allowing children to teach or guide others in their skill area
• Setting up clubs or interest groups

Peer support builds teamwork and social development.

Promoting Leadership and Responsibility

Recognised strengths such as organisation or communication can lead to taking responsibility in school or care settings. This develops leadership skills and self-worth.

Examples:

• Acting as a group leader in a task
• Taking care of resources
• Organising classroom roles

Responsibility gives children experience of using their strengths in real situations.

Monitoring Progress in Strength Areas

Once opportunities are in place, it is helpful to monitor how the child is developing. This lets you see if the strategies are effective and what more could be done.

Methods of monitoring:

• Regular check-ins with the child
• Reviewing schoolwork or project outcomes
• Asking for feedback from families and peers

Monitoring keeps development on track and helps adapt support where necessary.

Giving Constructive Feedback

Feedback should guide improvement without discouraging. Focus on strengths while gently pointing to ways to improve.

Tips for constructive feedback:

• Start with praise for effort and skill
• Suggest one or two areas for growth
• Offer help or advice on how to develop further
• End with encouragement

Feedback this way keeps motivation high.

Positive Behaviour Support

Strengths do not only apply to skills but to behaviour too. Recognising a child’s behavioural strengths can reinforce good choices.

Examples:

• Praising politeness and helpfulness
• Highlighting times they support peers
• Encouraging them to show empathy in different situations

Good behaviour can lead to more opportunities for responsibility and trust.

Strengths in Special Educational Needs Contexts

Children with special educational needs often have specific strengths. Recognising these can lead to increased confidence and learning success.

Strategies to support strengths here might include:

• Focused activities using sensory preferences
• Adjusting tasks to suit strengths while working around challenges
• Celebrating achievements in a way that matches their communication style

Recognition of strengths can help them participate more fully.

Using Strengths to Build Independence

Independence is encouraged when children use their abilities to complete tasks themselves. This can prepare them for adulthood.

Examples:

• Letting a child with organisational skills manage their own timetable
• Allowing a young person to plan a small event in a setting
• Encouraging problem-solving without intervention unless needed

Independence strengthens life skills.

Final Thoughts

Recognising and building on the strengths of a child or young person is a positive working approach that benefits development, confidence, and overall wellbeing. It requires skilled observation, active listening, and close working relationships with families and other professionals. By focusing on what children do well, you create an environment where they feel valued and motivated.

Every child has strengths, and these can be the foundation for growth in other areas. When you encourage and support them, you help build a positive self-image that stays with them into adulthood. Effective use of positive strategies can shape not only their skills but their belief in their own ability to overcome challenges and aim for success.