ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses how our policy and practice should be underpinned by our ethos when working with young children. It discusses the important role that parents and carers play as the child's first educator and the importance and benefits of collaboration. Reward-based systems often work because many children want to please adults and are frightened of making mistakes and upsetting their carers. The vast majority of children who experience these systems will stay on the positive sunshine, rainbow or green card most of the time; however, there will be a small minority of children for whom these systems add to their low self-esteem and unbelief in themselves. Parents and carers are children's first educators and know our children very well. We must never underestimate this and working in partnership is vitally important.
