Behaviour Policy (Achieving positive behaviour)

Behaviour

Behaviour is formed from our personal, social and emotional development. A part of this development is understanding what is right and what is wrong, based on our self-confidence, self- esteem self- awareness and understanding.

In order for children and indeed adults it is essential that Positive Relationships, Enabling Environments, and Learning and Developing, which overtime allows the aspect of managing our feelings.

 Children’s behaviour must be managed effectively and in a manner appropriate for their stage of development and particular individual needs as outlined in revised E.Y.F.S Statutory Framework. The lead person for managing behaviour is Harley Toth (Under 0-2yrs) and Laura Edgerton (for 2- rising 5’s)

 The nursery staff are aware of the developmental stages of the children and developmental needs and work towards the principles underlying the Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of practise in line with the statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. 

 These must be taken into account whenever managing behavioural issues occur.

 At SRC Nursery we want the children to enjoy their time with us, and we encourage staff and the children to care for each other in an acceptable manner. Staff model appropriate behaviour in order to set an example by treating each other with warmth, respect, and care.

 The passing of negative comments about children, parents/carers or other staff are not acceptable.

 Adults caring for children are able to manage a wide range of children’s behavior in a way that promotes their welfare and development.

 The nursery will NOT tolerate or accept any staff member, or any person looking after children to administer corporal punishment to any child. In the event of this happening the staff member will be asked to leave the premises immediately and a full investigation will take place. Ofsted and Southwark Social care will be informed.

 If it is absolutely necessary to restrain a child it would be an action taken only to safeguard the child from immediate physical danger to be carried out in a non-aggressive manner,  

Working in partnership with parents/carers.

 Parents/carers are informed of their child’s behaviour,

If unacceptable behaviour is displayed by a child, it is important to work alongside parents/carers with strategies that are consistent at home and in the setting, taking consideration of the child’s age phase of development and individual needs and what the child understands.

  Encouraging Positive Behaviour

 The attitude and Behaviour of all those who work or have contact with children in the nursery should be characterized by warmth, respect, and encouragement towards each child and their parents/carers. 

 Any issues or problems arising with a child, parent or other members of staff should be discussed in private with the nursery manager or senior practitioner on duty.

 If a child were to act in an inappropriate way, full details of the comments, actions and behaviour must be recorded. The report should be factual, dated and signed by the member of staff involved; the nursery manager will follow up this matter.

 The Nursery recognises that children will pick up language from their environment and from outside influences, and may use language which is inappropriate (for example racist comments) without knowing what this means. If this happens the parent /carers must be informed, the parent/carer will be asked to work with the nursery to resolve any issues.

 Nursery staff should be acknowledged and treated with respect; staff will not tolerate being shouted at or take verbal or physical abuse from other staff/ parents/carers. In the event, persons will be asked to leave the nursery.

 If a parent/carer refuses to accept that the child has made these comments, or seeks to justify the comments on the grounds that they are valid, or just ‘kid’s talk’, and that the child ‘doesn’t really mean it’, the Nursery Manager must insist that action is taken to stop the child behaving in this way, and that such justifications or excuses are not acceptable.

 If a child displays violent or aggressive behaviour such as punching, pinching, biting, hitting and kicking the same action of involving the parent/carer will be followed.

ABC Charts (These are charts that show before behaviour, during behaviour and consequences) will be put in place to attain any patterns, timing, and reasoning as to why the child would act in such a manor. This information will help with strategies to help overcome the behaviour.

 Strategies used in the setting for overcoming children’s aggressive behaviour.

A calm approach

Take the child to a quiet place where he/she can focus more,

Emotion books,

Puppets,

Golden rules,

Routine and Boundaries,

 If a child shows no sign of improvement in behaviour the child’s parent/carers will be asked if we can work together with the help of the professionals. The nursery will contact the relevant outside agencies and start a plan of action towards positive behaviour.

 Aims and objectives

 ·         To help children to develop a sense of caring and respect for one another

·         To encourage children to co-operate with each other and respect each other

·         To encourage the development of social skills and help children learn what is acceptable behavior

·         To develop children’s confidence and self esteem

·         To help children to develop self-discipline and self-esteem in an atmosphere of mutual respect and encouragement

Staff encourages good behaviour consistently and positively, setting limits for children and supporting other team members by:

 ·         Reinforcing positive behaviour by noticing and praising it

·         Promoting positive behaviour in all children

·         Challenging any unacceptable behaviour

·         Use distraction techniques to defuse a potentially explosive situation between children to ensure their safety

·         If necessary, discussing a child’s behavior with their parent/carer to find out if there are any underlying issues we may have missed

·         The safety of other children must never be put at risk

The Nursery Manager:

Acts to ensure the safety and welfare of the children and staff in the nursery, an allocated member of staff is to be with any child whose behavior is giving cause for concern. Discussions with the parent/carer of the child whose Behavior is giving cause for concern and offers support and to agree an action plan Children, nursery staff, parents and carers should be acknowledged and recognized and under no certain circumstances should be threatened verbally or physically.

 Staff are strictly forbidden to administer physical punishment of any sort, such as smacking, slapping, dragging or shaking a child.

 Depriving a child of food/refreshment or forcing a child to consume refreshment, teasing, humiliating, scapegoating, frightening or isolating a child is also strictly forbidden.

 Any staff witnessing such behaviour must report it to the appropriate person – see Whistle blowing policy.

 If a staff member is seen to commit any act of violence, abuse or any of the above on a child they will be instantly dismissed and escorted from the building.

 There are named practitioners for 0-2yrs and 2 to rising 5s- who are responsible for behaviour management issues, supporting staff and accessing training and specialist advice when needed.

 Adults within the setting are also expected to treat children and each other with respect, and to follow the behavior policy.

Conflict resolving techniques

There will be times when conflict arises between children and behaviour becomes unacceptable.  It is the duty of staff to intervene and help the children to resolve conflicts, e.g. if a child takes away a toy or object from another child, offering an alternative toy or object often calms the situation. Taking a child to one side and talking calmly can usually resolve aggression. It is important not to raise your voice as this only encourages the children to raise theirs.  At an appropriate time, talk to the children involved about what has happened and the reasons why it is unacceptable behavior, with explanations. Ask open-ended question depending on what has happened.

 At times a child can become disruptive and may find it difficult to contain themselves.  The Key person will need to talk to parents/carers concerning their child’s behaviour and work with them to find out if anything at home is causing concern to the child, e.g. new baby, parents travelling, new home – many things can worry a child and alter its emotional state and behaviour.

 If a problematic situation is pinpointed, the Key Person will work with other members of staff and parents on strategies to help the child cope with their feelings.

 At all time, parents are to be kept updated and informed of behavioral issues arising.

 In extreme cases, outside professional advice and help will be sought with the co-operation of parents and carers.