What are relational approaches?

NICE defines relational approaches as:

“Approaches that emphasise connection, belonging and the teaching of effective conflict
resolution skills. These approaches assume that behaviour is a means of communication
and that behaviour that challenges can be a sign of unmet emotional needs. Relational
approaches approach behaviour with curiosity rather than judgement. They are grounded
in psychological theory and support children to build their self-regulation skills. They take
account of context and the child or young person’s lived experiences” (NICE, 2022).