A behaviour management policy should clearly promote the setting’s commitment to creating a learning environment which promotes positive behaviour and relationships where children treat each other with care and respect. It should outline clear, simple rules and boundaries for children and adults. It should be a working document that is continually reviewed.
An effective behaviour management policy includes:
- the positive context in which practitioners and their managers approach children’s behaviour;
- responsibilities of practitioners and their managers regarding behaviour;
- how and what positive behaviour strategies are embedded;
- how practitioners model positive behaviour;
- how children’s differing levels of understanding and age appropriateness are considered;
- how the environment may be adapted to meet the needs of each child;
- how a child’s individual circumstances and life experiences are considered alongside behaviour expectations;
- procedures for regular observations of behaviour, record keeping and how these are kept up to date and reviewed regularly;
- that corporal punishment must not be threatened or given to any child by any person living or working in the premises where care is provided;
- a procedure for physical intervention;
- that significant incidents are recorded and discussed with parents (e.g. biting, hitting another child);
- the named person for behaviour management and what training they have attended;
- statements about bullying and how this will be managed;
- a commitment to working in partnership with parents and other agencies where necessary;
- how consents and information sharing are managed.
The behaviour management policy should be shared and discussed with parents on enrolment.