BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT October 2011
Parents are given a copy of our Behaviour Management Policy prior to signing the Contract and any behavioural issues and their management are discussed and agreed with parents as and when the need arises to ensure a united and consistent approach. This benefits the child's welfare, makes them feel secure and helps prevent confusion.
Behaviour management is essential for reasons of safety and social acceptance which is mainly learned by following examples of others, in a happy, safe and supportive environment, so parents and carers need to be positive role models.
We have found that positive discipline is effective and that management of behaviour, whilst remaining firm and consistent, must be handled fairly and sensitively according to the nature, age, stage of development and ability of the child to understand.
We have attended several training sessions including Behaviour Management, NVQ 3 module: Provide a Framework for
the Management of Behaviour, Responding to Superhero & Weapon
Play, Supporting Emotional Development, Coping with Difficult Behaviour.
Corporal punishment is neither used nor threatened. We will, however, physically intervene, and possibly restrain, a child to prevent an accident, such as a child running into the road, or to prevent an injury or damage.
It is much more helpful to tell a child clearly what you do want them to do rather than what not to do. Praise and approval encourage children to want to please and co-operate. Criticise unwanted behaviour and not the child so as to maintain their self-esteem.
Children feel most secure when the boundaries set on their behaviour are made clear to them and rules are applied consistently and explained.
With babies, distraction is the favoured option. With toddlers, a firm 'no', distraction and explanation usually work quite well. Time out is used if necessary to minimise disruption and ensure the safety of others.
Being consistent is sometimes difficult and there needs to be some trial and error to ascertain the best method for each particular child.
We expect parents to inform us of any changes in the child's home circumstances, care arrangements or any other change which may affect the child's behaviour, such as a new baby, parents' separation, divorce, new partner or any bereavement. Sensitive information
shared will be kept confidential unless there appears to be a child protection issue.
Parents are welcome to discuss their child's care and any issues or concerns. This may need to take place when the child is not present as it is important not to give too much attention to misbehaviour because some children cannot differentiate between quality and quantity of attention.
They may misbehave because it is the only way they get attention and they would rather receive bad attention than none at all, which shows how important it is to give praise wherever possible and to give recognition of all personal achievements.
We do not often experience temper tantrums with the children in our care - they tend to save these for their parents! When they do happen, it is important to be calm and reassuring and then move on. Children need help to cope with feelings of anger and loss of control and to understand these feelings are normal but the manner in which they act them out may or may not be acceptable; again, positive guidance helps.
It is not possible for the child to be rational at these moments so it's better to keep explanation brief and to the point, e.g. "I have moved you away because you hit Tom. Hitting hurts. It is not allowed."
After the situation has calmed down, it is possible to discuss choices and possible consequences with older children.
Wherever possible, the children sit together at mealtimes and treat them as a social occasion. We encourage self-reliance, but assist as required. We expect all the children to stay at the table until everyone has finished. We discourage toys at the table as they are a distraction and get very messy, but a favourite toy can be placed nearby and given back after the child has been wiped clean at the end of the meal. We actively encourage children to say please and thank you and sorry and to be respectful of others. We try to set a good example ourselves.
It is important for adults to think through what behaviour is unacceptable and for what reason and limit the 'no's', keeping house rules simple but incorporating an anti-bullying message. Everyone has the right to feel secure and to challenge unfairness.
House Rules
* Be considerate and kind to others
* Share and take turns
* Include others
* Tell the truth
* Help others
* Treat everyone with politeness and respect
* Stroke the cats only when we are holding them
* Remove shoes before climbing onto settees
* Sit down on chairs and settees
* Use scissors, pencils and other mark making tools at the table
* Play quietly in the hall when others are sleeping
In this Setting we do not accept
* Hurting others physically
* Hurting other's feelings
* Leaving others out who want to be included
* Taking toys from others
* Teasing or picking on others
* Threatening others
* Taking or damaging property
* Telling tales on others and lying
* Laughing at the mistakes of others
* Rudeness in word or gesture
* Ganging up on anyone
* Throwing toys
Wendy & Louis Bernardelle
The Wendy House N12