GREENGABLES PRE-SCHOOL

CHILD / BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT POLICY

 

Please familiarize yourself with this policy as it will be consistently implemented within the pre-school setting.

 

We in Greengables Pre-school aim to create a warm, stimulating, happy and caring environment where the children are provided with activities and experiences appropriate to their level of development.

 

We believe the activities we provide are sufficiently attractive, interesting, challenging and stimulating to reduce the likelihood of unwanted behaviour.

 

We aim to foster self-esteem, respect, tolerance and self-control in the children.  We believe that children and adults flourish best in an ordered environment in which everyone knows what is expected of them and where children are free to play and learn without fear of being hurt or hindered by others.  

 

The rules we have are for the safety of the children (e.g. cannot throw sand) and are applied consistently within the group.

 

If a problem does arise the following steps are taken:

 

1. Explain why the behaviour is not acceptable.

 

2. If behaviour continues the child will be withdrawn from the activity.

 

3. If unwanted behaviour persists there will be “time-out” for a few minutes.  This means the child will be taken to an activity with an adult present.  It will be an activity chosen by the adult.

 

4. If aggressive or disruptive behaviour is displayed children are told why this is unacceptable and are encouraged to discuss and resolve conflicts with each other or with staff amicably.  If the behaviour is disrupting the smooth running of the class the child may be taken out for a walk in the corridor or to use the calming area outside the class.

 

5. If there are persistent problems with a child, the leader will speak with the parent/carer to develop an agreed strategy for handling the child’s behaviour thus ensuring consistency between home and pre-school.  This may involve the child being asked to attend the group for shorter periods of time each day until the behaviour improves.  Parents will be asked to sign a form in agreement of the behaviour management plan.  The plan will be kept under review for an agreed period.

 

6. In some cases where a child’s behaviour is constantly upsetting other children or the smooth running of the group we may reduce the number of hours a child may attend or we may request the child’s withdrawal from the group for a period of time. This may happen if a child is a risk to his/herself, peers or staff.  We may also request additional advice and support from other professionals e.g. social worker, health visitor etc.

 

7. If, on return to the pre-school, after a reasonable period of time, no improvement in the child’s behaviour is observed by pre-school staff, the parent/carer may be asked to withdraw the child from pre-school. 

 

Physical restraint, e.g. holding, will not be used unless required to prevent injury to the child, other children, adults or property.  An incident like this will be recorded and the parent or carer will be informed.

 

We aim to provide calming areas both inside & outside the classroom.  A child may access an inside calming area as a way of helping him or her deal with a variety of emotions.  The outside calming area may be used by staff to calm a child with minimal interference from or disruption to the other children.

 

If problems arise, parents will be informed about their child’s behaviour either verbally or in written form.  How the situation was dealt with will also be explained.  Parents will be expected to work in partnership with staff to reinforce rules and promote more positive behaviour in future.

 

EXAMPLES OF DESIRABLE BEHAVIOUR   

• Treat adults, children and environment with care, respect and concern.

• Listen and co-operate with others.

• Show sensitivity to the needs and feelings of others.

• Comply with the rules and routines of the group.

• Engage in purposeful play.

• Use equipment appropriately.

EXAMPLES OF UNDESIRABLE BEHAVIOUR

• Assaulting a child or adult e.g. hitting, kicking, biting, pulling hair, pushing or pulling.

• Damaging equipment.

• Disrupting another child’s play e.g. knocking things down.

• Refusing to listen and comply with rules.

• Behaviour that threatens the child’s safety or that of others.

• Spitting

• Swearing

 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF PRE-SCHOOL STAFF

WE WILL:

          Provide a positive role model with regard to behaviour;

 

          Adopt a positive approach to situations;

 

          Praise and encourage positive behaviour;

         

          Ensure rules are applied consistently.

         

          Keep parents informed of their child’s progress & behaviour.

 

WE WILL NOT:

          Inflict physical punishment;

 

          Shout or use raised voices in an inappropriate way;

 

          Degrade a child in any way e.g. by humiliating or singling out;

 

          Send children out of the room alone or set them on a “naughty” chair.    

 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS

 

Ensure children attend pre-school on time and on a regular basis to ensure routines can become established.

 

Be aware of pre-school rules and procedures and reinforce them at home.

 

Work in partnership with pre-school staff.

 

Show an interest in their child’s activities, read news sheets and notes to stay informed.

 

Act as positive role models.

 

Provide all necessary background information, telling staff of any concerns or significant changes in their child’s medical needs or home circumstances.

 

 

It is important for all children to learn in a safe and caring environment with respect for others at all times.  Parents/carers should feel free to discuss any concerns about their child, no matter how small, with staff at any time.

 

This policy will be shared with any students or volunteers helping in the group.

 

This policy was adopted by Greengables Committee on 9/3/2020

Witnessed by:   Nicola Lowry     Position:  Chairperson

Leader:  Tracey Stewart

Reviewed:  Sept 2024