Child Management Behaviour Policy

Statement:

We in Small Wonders Childcare recognize the importance of promoting acceptable behaviour and methods of discipline within the childcare setting. We believe that all children have the right to expect positive approaches to discipline, which foster self-esteem, respect, tolerance and self-control. Behaviours which injure people either emotionally or physically or damage property are real problems for adults/staff and the other children must be dealt with in an appropriate manner. By promoting these beliefs Small Wonders Childcare will endeavour to ensure the group is safe, fair and considerate to all.

Our aims:

  • To Promote self-discipline.
  • To develop within each child an appreciation of others and their feelings.
  • To increase children’s understanding of the consequences of their behaviour on others and themselves.
  • To encourage the child’s ability to socialize and get along with others.
  • To reinforce the positive and discourage the negative behaviour.

We will do this by:

PRAISE AND ENCOURAGMENT

We will praise and encourage the positive behaviours so that qualities such as kindness, thoughtfulness, tolerance, perseverance and concentration are appreciated and acknowledged.

REASONING

We will reason and discuss with the child why they should or should not do something. This should help them to relate the behaviour to the consequences.

PHRASING

We will endeavour to phrase directions, as far as possible, in a clear and positive manner. For example instead of saying ‘don’t’ we will endeavour to explain why they should not do something.

LAYOUTS

We will endeavour to set out Small Wonders Childcare in such a way to promote positive child behaviour and reduce the possibility of problems occurring by:

  • Allowing enough space around each activity.
  • Having each area clearly defined.
  • Allowing access to a range and choice of equipment.
  • Providing appropriate materials at each activity.
  • Providing activities that require co-operation rather than competition. This should promote qualities such as turn-taking, sharing, trust and compromise.
  • Providing a rang of stimulating activities, which will require concentration and perseverance.

SETTING RULES

We will set rules in Small Wonders Childcare for the children, which are basic and simple and give an explanation as to why we have these rules. For example no hitting-because it hurts and we wouldn’t like someone to hit us etc…

APPLYING THE RULES

We will apply these rules consistently and fairly. This will be done by:

  • Informing the children of the rules.
  • Informing the children why we have the rules.
  • Informing the staff of the rules and how to apply them.
  • Informing the parents of the rules.

THE STAFF

We expect the staff to set a positive example to the children by:

  • Regularly examining their own conduct.
  • Listening carefully to children and value what they have to say.
  • Give the children clear and consistent explanations of the limits required in the setting.
  • Ensure that children do not receive attention for inappropriate behaviour.
  • Allow children to express choices.
  • Acknowledge children’s feelings and encourage them to express them verbally or creatively.
  • Adhering to the rules of the group.
  • Respecting the children and adults in the group.
  • Being mannerly.
  • Remembering that children learn by example.

VALUING AND PROMOTING THE PARNERSHIP WITH PARENTS

We value the partnership with parents in Small Wonders Childcare and will endeavour to inform and discuss with them on these matters.

DON’TS

  • Physical punishment, such as smacking or shaking will NEVER be used or threatened.
  • Adults should not shout or raise their voices.
  • Staff should avoid labeling children as ‘naughty’ or ‘good’. Labels can have undesirable long-term effects.
  • Unnecessary constraints or restrictions will not be imposed on children.

DO’S

  • Staff are to stop aggressive or bullying behaviour immediately and make clear that this type of behaviour is unacceptable. This is to be done by explanation rather than personal blame.
  • Any behaviour problems are dealt with in a developmentally appropriate way. Staff are to help the children understand and they are loved/valued even when their beahaviour/actions are not.
  • When necessary, staff should outline the problems for children and encourage them to think out solutions.
  • Staff should help children to take responsibility for the actions. For example, wiping up spills and helping repair equipment.
  • Adult use observations as a way of finding out any possible reasons for unwanted behaviour.

IN THE CASE OF PERSiSTENT INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR

The child’s parents/carers should be involved.

The leader will discuss the situation with the parents/carers in an attempt to find the possible cause of the behaviour.

The leader and the parents/carers will, together, develop strategies for dealing with the unwanted behaviour, which could be implemented at home in the setting.

Should it be necessary and with the consent of the parent/carer, advice and assistance will be sought from relevant external specialists to address the matter.

In extreme cases, to protect other children and staff, Small Wonders reserves the right to exclude the child from the group, this may be a temporary or permanent measure.

Shankill Women's Centre funded by the EU