Introduction
The Mews Nursery and Play Club is committed to a holistic approach towards behaviour management. The participants aim to establish a consistent and positive approach permeating all activities for all aged groups based on mutual respect and consideration for each other, staff, parents and children alike.

Rationale
Our shared aims and vision place strong emphasis upon the valuing and supporting of individuals and the encouragement of such qualities as respect, responsibility, self discipline, co-operation and consideration. This policy is therefore based upon the following rationale:

·         A holistic approach established by members of staff whether working in the nursery, pre-school or play clubs Clear procedures that are fairly and consistently applied and appropriate to the age and environment.

·        The encouragement of children to make positive choices about their conduct.

·         Parental involvement in their child's behaviour.

·         The encouragement of the virtues indicated above by providing positive role models to the children. *An example of this will be to praise good behaviour rather than concentrating on the negative.

It is particularly important that all staff follow the following principals:

·         All Staff have a responsibility to ensure that the Behaviour Policy is adhered to.

·         Good Behaviour is kept constantly as a high profile issue whether working in the nursery, pre-school or Play Clubs by negotiating what is acceptable and what is not with the child or group.

·         The enhancement of self‑esteem and positive role modelling is kept at the heart of our approach and incorporated in all activities involving staff, parents and children.

·         Children’s feelings and emotions are acknowledged and constructive help and support is given to resolve difficulties.

·         Children may only be restrained physically with the minimum of force necessary to prevent a serious happening i.e. preventing an accident, avoiding damage or injury

·         Under no circumstances may a child be shaken, physically punished or be made to feel that it is anything other than his or her behaviour that is unacceptable.

·         All staff must make sure that the environment and activities are as safe as possible to avoid personal injury and the need for intervention

·         If it is deemed necessary to withdraw a child then an alternative activity or distractions should be institute for that child.

·         Adults should avoid discussing a child’s behaviour with another person with the child present

·         Recurring problems will be tackled, using objective observation records to establish an understanding of the cause.

·         Adults will be aware that some kinds of behaviour may arise from a child's special needs.

·         Adults will not shout, or raise their voices in a threatening way.

·         In any case of misbehaviour, it will always be made clear to the child or children in question that it is the behaviour and not the child that is unwelcome.

·         Adults will make themselves aware of, and respect, a range of cultural expectations regarding interactions between people.

Rules
All children, parents and members of staff attending the Mews are expected to follow simple rules concerning acceptable behaviour:

·         Be kind to each other.

·        Take care of each other by keeping the safety rules

·         Take care of property and equipment.

·         Listen to and respect each other.

 In the Event of Extreme or Persistent Poor Behaviour and Need for Physically RestraintAll members  staff are expected to follow the guidelines in the staff handbook.

In the event of extreme or persistent poor behaviour, and /or where physical restraint has been used the parent/carers of the child will be notified, and a way forward discussed and agreed. It is important that the child is not present when the parent/carer is informed.In the unlikely event of incidents involving acts of physical violence, deliberate swearing, verbal abuse or repeatedly refusing to take instruction from a member of staff, and where physical restraint has been necessary records of the incident will be kept. The parent, the members of staff involved and the centre manager will have access to this record.

Use and storage of any records will be in accordance to the requirements of the Data Protection Act and be strictly confidential.

Conclusion
This Behaviour Policy aims to protect  children by endorsing and reinforcing good behaviour while gently but firmly showing the child that certain behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

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