3.3 Explain the impact of the principles and values that underpin and inform the work of learning, development and support services practitioners on children, young people and carers

This guide will help you answer 3.3 Explain the impact of the principles and values that underpin and inform the work of learning, development and support services practitioners on children, young people and carers.

Principles and values shape how practitioners work with children, young people, and carers. They directly influence outcomes for individuals and the relationships practitioners build.

The impact is wide‑ranging. It affects emotional wellbeing, learning progress, trust, and the ability of families to engage with services. It also sets professional standards that support safe, ethical, and person‑centred practice.

The Principles and Values

Principles and values in this context usually come from legislation, codes of practice, and policies. They reflect both legal requirements and good practice approaches in working with children and young people. The most common ones include:

• Respect for individual rights
• Promotion of equality and diversity
• Safeguarding and child protection
• Partnership working
• Person‑centred practice
• Promoting participation
• Anti‑discriminatory practice
• Maintaining confidentiality
• Supporting wellbeing and development

These principles are not separate from day‑to‑day work. They are built into planning, decision making, and the way practitioners respond to situations.

Respect for Individual Rights

Giving priority to the rights of children, young people, and carers is central to practice. Rights include the right to be heard, the right to privacy, and the right to protection from harm.

When practitioners respect these rights, the impact can be seen in:

• Increased trust between families and practitioners
• Better engagement with services
• Improved self‑esteem among children and young people

Ignoring rights can lead to disengagement, complaints, or breakdown in relationships.

Promotion of Equality and Diversity

Promoting equality means treating people fairly and giving everyone access to the same opportunities. Diversity means recognising and valuing differences such as culture, religion, gender, disability, and language.

Impact on children, young people, and carers:

• They feel respected and valued
• They gain confidence in expressing their identity
• Barriers to participation are reduced

Failing to promote equality and diversity can lead to exclusion, poor outcomes, and feelings of isolation.

Safeguarding and Child Protection

Safeguarding covers all the actions we take to protect the health, wellbeing and human rights of individuals. Child protection is part of safeguarding and focuses on protecting children from abuse and neglect.

The impact of strong safeguarding principles is clear:

• Children are kept safe from harm
• Signs of abuse are recognised and acted upon quickly
• Families receive support during crises

Poor safeguarding can lead to serious harm or even loss of life. Practitioners must understand policies, procedures, and reporting lines.

Partnership Working

Partnership working means collaborating with others, such as schools, health services, social workers, and voluntary organisations.

The impact includes:

• Wider access to support and resources for families
• Consistency in care and learning plans
• Reduced duplication and better use of time and funds

Breakdown in partnership working can reduce effectiveness and leave gaps in support.

Person‑Centred Practice

Person‑centred practice means focusing on the needs, preferences, and choices of the individual. It requires listening carefully and involving them in decisions.

Impact:

• Children and young people feel valued and listened to
• Plans and activities match their interests and abilities
• Greater motivation and improved outcomes in learning and development

If practice is not person‑centred, individuals may feel ignored or powerless, which can hinder progress.

Promoting Participation

Participation means enabling children and young people to take part in decisions and activities affecting them. This often links to Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states they have the right to express views and be heard.

Impact:

• Confidence and self‑awareness are built
• They develop decision‑making skills
• Stronger sense of ownership over learning and life choices

Lack of participation limits development and can lead to disengagement from services.

Anti‑Discriminatory Practice

Anti‑discriminatory practice ensures everyone is treated fairly without prejudice. It tackles discrimination based on race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or other status.

Impact:

• Safe and inclusive environments
• Reduced bullying or harassment
• Better emotional and social outcomes

Allowing discrimination to go unchallenged can lead to harm, exclusion, and loss of trust in practitioners.

Maintaining Confidentiality

Confidentiality involves keeping personal information private and sharing it only when necessary and lawful.

Impact:

• Trust between practitioners and families is strengthened
• Children and young people feel safe to share concerns
• Protects dignity

Breaking confidentiality can damage trust and may breach laws such as the Data Protection Act 2018.

Supporting Wellbeing and Development

Wellbeing covers physical, emotional, and mental health. Development refers to physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth.

Impact:

• Better overall health and life satisfaction
• Improved learning progress
• Stronger resilience

Neglecting wellbeing can affect attendance, learning, and relationships.

How Principles Affect Practice

These principles guide decisions in daily work. They influence:

• Planning activities
• Responding to challenges
• Communicating with families
• Monitoring progress

For example:
A practitioner planning a learning activity for a child with hearing loss applies equality and diversity principles by adapting materials and using visual aids. This enables full participation.

Impact on Relationships with Children and Young People

Principles and values foster relationships based on respect, trust, and fairness. When applied correctly:

• Children feel safe and supported
• They are more willing to engage
• Communication is open and constructive

Relationships suffer if these values are ignored, leading to disengagement and mistrust.

Impact on Relationships with Carers

Carers need to feel supported and respected. Practitioners following these principles:

• Share information appropriately and honestly
• Work with carers to set goals and plans
• Acknowledge the role carers play in development

Trust grows when carers see practitioners acting ethically and respectfully.

Legal and Policy Context

The principles and values are reinforced by law and national frameworks. Common sources include:

• The Children Act 1989 and 2004
• The Equality Act 2010
• The Data Protection Act 2018
• Working Together to Safeguard Children guidance

These laws and guidance protect rights and wellbeing and inform organisational policies.

Professional Standards

Applying principles and values helps practitioners meet professional standards. It encourages:

• Reflective practice
• Continuous learning
• Accountability

This supports quality of service and positive outcomes.

Challenges in Applying Principles

Sometimes it can be difficult to apply principles fully. For example:

• Balancing confidentiality with the need to report safeguarding concerns
• Managing conflicting cultural beliefs within diverse groups
• Limited resources affecting equality of access

Practitioners must work through these challenges while keeping rights and wellbeing at the centre.

Positive Outcomes of Strong Values

When principles and values are central to practice, positive outcomes follow:

• Higher levels of engagement in learning and activities
• Stronger resilience and coping skills
• Improved emotional wellbeing and life chances

These outcomes benefit both individuals and the wider community.

Reflection in Practice

Practitioners can use reflective practice to examine how well they apply these principles. This includes:

• Reviewing interactions with children and carers
• Seeking feedback
• Identifying areas for improvement

Reflection helps maintain high standards and adapt to changing needs.

Final Thoughts

Principles and values are not abstract concepts. They are practical tools that guide every decision and interaction. They protect rights, promote fairness, and help build positive relationships.

When workers in learning, development and support services live these values daily, they create environments where children and young people feel safe, respected, and ready to grow. This benefits carers too, who see their role acknowledged and supported.

By keeping these principles at the heart of practice, you can make a real difference to the lives of those you work with. Every positive change, large or small, is rooted in the values that shape your professional actions.