Children need to have set boundaries of behaviour for their own safety and the safety of their peers. Within the nursery, we aim to set these boundaries in a way, which helps the child to develop a sense of the significance of their own behaviour, both in their own environment and those around them.

Restrictions on the child’s natural desire to explore and develop their own ideas and concepts are kept to a minimum. Sanctions applied in the case of unacceptable behaviour must take account of the age and stage of development of the child, be relevant to the action or actions and be fair. 

The Nursery Manager and Behaviour Management Officer’s role is to provide support and advice to staff and parents in managing children’s behaviour. The Behaviour Management Officer/Nursery Manager will ensure that the parents/carers are fully informed about and support the actions being taken to modify the child’s unacceptable behaviour. A list of the current behaviour office/manager is kept in the office.

Corporal punishment (slapping, smacking or shaking) is unacceptable practice and will never be used. However, on occasion it may be necessary to use physical intervention in order to prevent personal injury to the child, other children or an adult. Parents and managers would always be informed in such circumstances. Please refer to Positive Handling Policy. 

Parents/carers should feel free to discuss any concerns they may have with the Nursery Manager. All matters will be treated in the strictest confidence. 

The Nursery believes in promoting positive behaviour. 

• We aim to encourage self-discipline, consideration for each other and our surroundings, and respect for each other’s and our own property.

• By praising children and acknowledging their positive actions and attitudes, we hope to ensure that the children will see that we value and respect them. 

• Nursery rules are concerned with safety and care, and respect for each other. Children who behave inappropriately by physically abusing another child or adult or by verbal bullying may be removed from the situation.  The child who has been upset will be comforted and the adult will confirm that the other child’s behaviour is not acceptable. It is important to acknowledge when a child is feeling angry or upset, and it should be made clear that it is the behaviour we are rejecting, not the child. 

How a particular type of behaviour is handled will depend on the child and the circumstances. It may involve the child being asked to talk and think about what he or she has done. It may be that the child will not be allowed to make his or her own choice of activities for a limited period of time.
The child will also be asked to see if the child/person who was “hurt” is all right and be invited to demonstrate that they are sorry. 

In extreme cases the child will be removed from the classroom or garden until he or she has calmed down and had time to reflect on his or her behaviour. 

Parents will be informed if their child is persistently unkind to others or if their child has been upset. In all cases, inappropriate behaviour will be managed within the Nursery at the time. Parents may be asked to meet with staff to discuss their child’s behaviour, so that if there are any difficulties, we can work together to ensure consistency between home and Nursery. In some cases, we may request additional advice and support from other professionals, such as an Educational Psychologist or Child Guidance Counsellor. Children need to develop non-aggressive strategies to enable them to stand up for themselves, so that both adults and children listen to them. They need to be given opportunities to release their feelings more creatively. 

Children need their own time and space. It is not always appropriate to expect a child to share, and it is important to acknowledge children’ feelings and to help them understand how others might be feeling. 

We want children to recognise that certain actions are right, and that others are wrong. By positively promoting good behaviour, valuing co-operation and a caring attitude we hope to ensure that children will develop as responsible members of society.