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Behaviour and discipline policy
Children need to have set boundaries of behaviour for their own safety and safety of their peers. Within Providence Nursery we aim to set these boundaries in a way which helps the child develop an awareness of the significance of their own behaviour, both on their own environment and on those around them. Restrictions on the child's natural desire to explore and develop their own ideas and concepts are kept to a minimum. We wholeheartedly support the Children's Act 1989 guidelines on behaviour and sanctions, namely that sanctions applied in the case of unacceptable behaviour must take account of the age and stage of development of the child, be given at the time, be relevant to the action and be fair.
The Nursery Manager shall ensure that the parents/carers are fully informed about and support the actions being taken to modify the child's unacceptable behaviour.
Corporal punishment (slapping, smacking or shaking) will never be acceptable practices and will not be used, although it may be necessary to take physical action in an emergency to prevent personal injury or serious damage to property.
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, our surroundings and property.
- By praising children and acknowledging their positive actions and attitudes we hope to ensure that children see that we value and respect them.
- Nursery rules are concerned with safety and care and respect for each other. Children who behave inappropriately, whether by physically abusing another child or adult, e.g. by kicking, biting or by verbal bullying may be removed from the group. 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 that a child is feeling angry or upset and 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 person who was upset is alright and, if they mean it, to say or show that they are sorry. An immediate response of 'sorry' is not acceptable if the child does not mean it and is merely saying the word in the hope of being able to continue playing.
- In extreme cases the child will be removed from the room or the garden until he or she has calmed down and had time to reflect on his or her behaviour.
- We need to give children non aggressive strategies to enable them to stand up for themselves so that adults and children listen to them. They need to be given the opportunity to release their feelings more creatively
- 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 dealt with in 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 form other professionals such as the Educational Psychologist or Child Guidance Counsellor
- Children do need their own time and space. It is not always appropriate to expect a child to share and it is important to acknowledge children's feelings and to help them understand how others might be feeling.
- Children must be encouraged to recognise that bullying, fighting, hurting and racist comments are not acceptable behaviour. We want children to recognise than 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.
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