Behaviour Management Policy

We aim to create a happy and relaxed atmosphere in which all children and young people attending can play, enjoy the activities on offer and express themselves without fear of intimidation, harassment or physical or verbal abuse. The Camp is a play facility where children are allowed to be loud, messy and boisterous as long as they are not putting themselves or anyone else in danger or discomfort.

We strive to promote behaviour that encourages respect for each individual, co-operation with each other and opportunities for play and adventure within a safe and caring environment. Adults in the play setting will make themselves aware of, and respect a range of cultural expectations regarding interaction between people.

Children and young people will be involved in establishing rules for behaviour at the Camp.

During these discussions the issue of bullying will be pro-actively introduced as a topic to discuss and anti-bullying rules established. Rules will be shared with all users of the setting. All adults in the play setting will ensure that the rules are applied consistently, so that the children have the security of knowing what to expect and can build up useful habits of behaviour.

The activities provided within the Camp will be planned and organised to keep the children interested and minimise the opportunities for disruption, consideration will be given to the furniture layout, groups children play in, pace of activities, enthusiasm and humour.

We believe that children and adults flourish 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. We aim to work towards a situation in which children can develop self-discipline and self esteem in an atmosphere of mutual respect and encouragement.

It is our policy to promote positive behaviour wherever possible:

 

  • All adults in the play setting will provide a positive model for the children with regard to friendliness, care, courtesy and standards of behaviour. Adults should be aware of how their own behaviour, stance and voice can control a situation.
  • All volunteers should get to know the children as individuals – they should cultivate an interest in the children and know their names, personalities, interests and friends.
  • The volunteers should continually ‘scan’ and observe the behaviour of the children, thus hopefully preventing explosive situations from arising.
  • Adults in the play setting will praise and endorse desirable behaviour such as kindness and willingness to share.

We will take positive steps to avoid a situation in which children/young people receive adult attention only in return for undesirable behaviour. We will also be aware that some kinds of behaviour may arise from a child’s particular needs.

Unacceptable Behaviour
The Camp does not use physical punishment in any form. We also do not use any harsh methods of dealing with difficult behaviour, ie shouting, threatening. No action likely to frighten or cause humiliation will be used. Use of these methods of managing behaviour by volunteers will be treated as a disciplinary offence.

 

Use Of Physical Intervention Only When Absolutely Necessary
When children behave in unacceptable ways:

 

  • It will always be made clear that it is the behaviour and not the child that is unwelcome. The child will be given support in recognising why their behaviour is unacceptable.
  • As a first step we will attempt to divert the child to other more productive activities. Failing this, a time out period may be used. This may include a quiet activity the child can complete on their own. Children will never be sent out of the room by themselves.
  • Discriminatory behaviour/remarks are unacceptable in the Camp. Our response will be sensitive to the feelings of the victim/s and aim to help those responsible to understand and overcome their prejudices.
  • We will be alert to instances of bullying and children will be encouraged to report any concerns they have within the Camp. Instances of bullying will be treated seriously, and parents/carers involved in dealing with any situations that arise.
  • Any sanctions used will take account of the age and stage of the child, and will be immediate, fair and relevant to what the child has done. Any behaviour problems will be handled in a developmentally appropriate fashion, respecting individual children’s level of understanding and maturity.
  • Recurring problems with behaviour will be dealt with in partnership with parents/carers and the school or other agencies where appropriate. In extreme situations when all reasonable action has been taken, a child may be excluded from the Camp. 

 

 

 

 

Page Created: 13th Aug, 2007
Last Updated: 2:46pm on 13th Aug, 2007 by Matt Burton