Behaviour Management

At Head Start it is believed that children and adults work best in an ordered environment in which everyone knows what is expected of them and children are free to develop their play and learning without fear of being hurt or hindered by anyone else. It is our aim to work towards a situation in which children can develop self-discipline and self-esteem in an atmosphere of mutual respect and encouragement. Therefore

 Staff will always provide a positive model for the children with regard to friendliness, care and courtesy and offer strategies for handling any conflict. Rules will be introduced to ensure the safety and security of the children and these will be applied consistently. Children will be praised and rewarded for desirable behaviour such as kindness and willingness to share. They will also be supported in dealing with challenging behaviour such as bullying.

When children behave in unacceptable ways

 They will be given staff support in realising what was wrong and how to act more appropriately. This may include being given a period of “time out” with an adult. They will never be sent out of the room by themselves, nor will physical punishment be used or threatened. Physical restraint will only be used to prevent physical injury to the children and staff or property. A record will be kept and parents informed.

 In any case of misbehaviour, the unacceptability thereof will be made clear in a developmentally appropriate fashion respecting the individuality of the child. Staff will ensure that the child is made aware that it is the behaviour and not the child that is unwelcome. Any recurring problem will be recorded and discussed with parents to establish an underlying cause.

 Staff will be aware that some kinds of behaviour may arise from a child’s special needs.

 All staff make themselves aware of, and respect, a range of cultural expectations regarding interactions between people. In cases of serious misbehaviour, such as racial or other abuse and bullying the unacceptability of the behaviour and attitudes will be made clear immediately, but by means of explanations rather than personal blame.
 Where bullying is identified as being of a particularly serious nature, parents/carers of the child concerned will be invited to a meeting with the Head teacher and key worker and a joint plan of intervention will be established. Staff and parents will jointly monitor the situation until the outcome is successful.

Behaviour management is the responsibility of all staff but ultimately, Adela Costello, the Head teacher has overall authority.