Behaviour
All children and adults are treated with equal concern and are made to feel welcome in my home. I aim to offer a quality childcare service for parents and children. I recognize the need to set out reasonable and appropriate limits to help manage the behaviour of children in my care.
By providing a happy, well-maintained environment, the children in my care will be encouraged to develop social skills to help them be accepted and welcome in society as they grow up.
I do not, and will not, administer physical punishment or any form of punishment with the intention of causing pain or discomfort, nor any kind of humiliating or hurtful treatment to any child in my care.
I endorse positive discipline as a more effective way of setting limits for children.
Procedure
All parents receive a copy of my Behaviour Policy.
I agree methods to manage children’s behaviour with parents before the placement starts. These are discussed with parents during initial visits before the contract is signed to ensure appropriate care can be provided.
Wherever possible I try to meet parents’ requests for the care of their children according to their values and practices. Records of these requirements are agreed and kept attached to the child record forms. These records are revised and updated during regular reviews with parents.
I expect parents to inform me of any changes in the child’s home circumstances, care arrangements or any other change which may affect the child’s behaviour such as a new baby, parents’ separation, divorce or any bereavement. All information shared will be kept confidential unless there appears to be a child protection issue.
I offer regular review meetings with parents to discuss their child’s care and any issues or concerns, preferably when the child is not present. If I do not share the same first language as the child’s parent, I will take action to facilitate effective communication. This may include seeking guidance from the local Early Year’s Team.
I work together with parents to make sure there is consistency in the way the children are cared for. A consistent approach benefits the child’s welfare and makes sure that the child is not confused.
I will only physically intervene and possibly restrain, a child to prevent an accident, such as a child running into the road, or to prevent an injury or damage.
All significant incidents are recorded in an incidents book and will be shared and discussed with the parents of the child concerned so that together we can work to resolve any behavioural issues.
From time to time children will have difficulty learning to deal with their emotions and feelings and this is a normal part of child development. I will acknowledge these feelings and try to help children to find constructive solutions in liaison with their parents.
Distracting and re-directing children’s activities are used as a way of discouraging unwanted behaviour.
I encourage responsibility by talking to children about choices and possible consequences.
I aim to be firm and consistent so that children know and feel secure in the boundaries I set.
I will respond positively to children who constantly seek attention or are disruptive.
I will ensure children maintain their self esteem by showing I disapprove of the behaviour not the child.
If I have concerns about a child’s behaviour, which are not being resolved, I will ask for permission from the parents to talk it through with another childcare professional. I may contact either the National Childminding Association, the NSPCC, health visitor or the local Early Years Team (or other relevant advice service) for confidential advice.
Concerns that could identify a particular child are kept confidential and only shared with people who need to know this information.
I encourage appropriate behaviour by:
Setting a good example, I aim to be a positive role model as children copy what they see. Children learn values and behaviour from adults.
I really praise, approve and reward wanted behaviour, such as sharing, to encourage it to be repeated. Using praise helps to show that I value the child and it helps to build their self esteem.
I praise children to their parents and other people when they have behaved as expected.
I try to be consistent when saying “no” and explain reasons why it is not appropriate and considered unwanted behaviour.
My expectations are flexible and realistic and are adjusted to the age, level of understanding, maturity and stage of development of the child.
I try to involving children in setting and agreeing house rules.
House Rules May Include:
We take off our outside shoes when we go in to the house to keep the house clean.
We do not swear, call each other names, fight or deliberately hurt anyone else.
We eat and drink at the table or in the high chair to help keep the house clean and to avoid accidents.
We keep the air free from smoke.
We are kind to each other and the pets.
We take care of the toys, furniture and other equipment.
Children are guided away from doing things which:
Are dangerous or hurtful or offensive to someone else.
Put the child in danger.
Make them unwelcome or unacceptable to other people.
Damage other people’s property.