For Parents Behaviour Policy
Managing Behaviour
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This guide is to give you information on our behaviour policy & procedures which have been put together using the " ABC, Behaviour as you like it and what to do when things go wrong" booklets produced by Surrey County Council as well as advice and knowledge given by the Early Years Childcare Service Professionals.
This guide gives a brief outline of our behaviour policies and procedures as well as a aid to parents.
In addition, we also have a seperate biting policy.
Why do Children Misbehave?
Children misbehave because they have not yet learnt how to react to feelings and needs in acceptable ways.
The most common needs and feelings that can trigger unacceptable behaviour are -
Attention, Boredom, Curiosity, Imitation,
Self- preservation, Independence,
Anger, Frustration, Anxiety, Fear,
Excitement, Anticipation
Remember:
Behaviour is learnt
Behaviour can change
Rewards work better than punishments
Practice makes perfect
Consistency is the key
Never assume that a child misbehaves intentionally.
Our children are very young and may not have learnt what appropriate behaviour is yet. Children need to know what we want them to do and it is important that we tell them what we want them to do rather than what we don't want them to do. Behaviour will be repeated if the underlying children's needs remain unmet.
Our 10 Golden Rules
We implement these golden rules everyday with children of all ages
1) Building children's 5 'C
These are the 5 key characteristics that we are aiming to develop which underpin good behaviour
Confidence, Communication, Cooperation, Curiosity, Concentration
2) Promote Positive Behaviour
For children to co-operate with routines and expected behaviour we need to promote positive behaviour by:
Being a good role model, Giving lots of praise
Being consistent, Distract them
Catch them being good, Give warnings
Plan ahead, Swap bad news for good
Positive body language, Have clear boundaries
3) Setting Boundaries
Children need to understand the rules and have clear boundaries set for them. We refer to our code of kindness everyday in a positive way.
We play at nursery, We walk around the nursery
We smile with our teeth, We line up at the door
We eat our food with our teeth, We share toys with our friends
We touch gently with our hands, We always tell the truth
We listen to each other, We sit nicely at meal times
We play with our friends, When leaving the table we push our chairs in
We keep our room tidy
Children need to know what the rules are at nursery as they may be different from home.
4) Building Relationships
Achieving an environment in which all children can flourish is dependent upon warm, harmonious relationships. Good team relationships with colleagues, parents and children are fundamental to successfully managing children.
5) Showing Respect
We show respect to our children by -
The way we listen, Our facial expression
The language we use, Our body posture
The way we talk, The way we touch
The quality of our attention
6) Understanding Feelings
Understanding and recognising how the children feel day to day is crucial. It is also important to help the children understand their own feelings and how to manage them. We teach children how to do this through daily activities
7) Talking Appropriately
Children have a lot to learn about language so it is vital when talking to them we are sure they understand what is being asked of them. It is very easy for a misunderstanding to arise.
When making an assertive statement make sure -
It is a clear short message
You are specific
You are positive
You are close to the child
You try to make eye contact
You use a firm yet calm voice
Avoid comparison
It is achievable
8) Giving Clear Instructions
Children are just learning that questions invite a variety of answers and it is confusing if this is not acceptable. "Would you like to put your coat on" This statement may seem to an adult a polite way of giving instruction but to a child it may seem like opportunity to make a choice. Try -
"Put on your coat please"
Only ever ask questions when you are prepared for the answer to be "No" !
9) Understanding Attention Span
Children's attention span is not very long. You should not expect an attention span of more than 1 min for a 1 year old, 2 min for a 2 year old etc.
Children can't listen & do at the same time.
They need to stop what they are doing before given instruction.
Children of this age can only carry 2 or 3 information carrying words. So do not clutter an instruction with unnecessary words. It is easier to remember what to do if the instructions are given in the order in which they have to be done.
Picture / visual clues may help for younger children and children with learning difficulties.
10) Giving Rewards
Rewards should be given to children to encourage them to repeat the behaviour that we want.
They should be -
Immediate, Meaningful to the child, Small, Varied from time to time
Children respond to praise and social approval. Remember for children your attention is often the biggest reward and positive attention is so much more effective than negative attention.
Suggested rewards include -
Praise - "Thank you for picking up the toys."
Attention - Smile. Thumbs up. Hug.
Special activities - Choosing a story.
Modify unacceptable behaviour (MUB)
Before we modify unacceptable behaviour we -
STOP
and check the following points -
Surroundings - Are the surroundings suitable for the child’s age & development
Toys -Are there enough toys available and are they appropriate to their age & development
Observation - Did you see exactly what happened or just the end result
Promoting Good Behaviour - Are we promoting good behaviour throughout the day
If all the above items are in place we will then modify unacceptable behaviour by
Talking to the child in a firm yet calm voice, keep it short
Encourage then to make it better
Re-join them in an activity
If they repeat the unwanted behaviour time out may be given -
The area will be varied ,close to you and way from others
The child will be told to sit quietly for a short period (it could be for 30 seconds to 3 minutes).
They will then be encouraged to re-join in with the activity.
We will use sand timers for children who find it hard to sit quietly.
Always Remember
To maintain a child's self esteem
To acknowledge a child's feelings
Ensure they know the Rules
Sometimes ignoring the little things and redirecting a child's play can be more effective in the short term.
Positive Attention is much more effective than negative attention.
Keep parents informed
If the challenging behaviour continues the CDS, Supervisor & Manager will determine the best solution and decide on the best way to handle the situation with the parents and child. This may involve putting together an action plan under our persistent unacceptable behavior procedure
