I recognize the need to set reasonable and appropriate limits to help manage the behavior of children in my care. I expect all children in my care to follow my simple house rules.

These are;

 “Be kind, be helpful, listen to each other, use please and thank you, take care of everyone’s things, ask for help.”

By providing a happy, safe environment, the children in my care will be encouraged to develop social skills to help them be accepted and welcomed into society as they grow up.

I endorse positive discipline as a more effective way of setting boundaries for children, for example, distraction or alternative choices. 

I keep up to date with behavior management issues and relevant legislation by taking regular training and by reading relevant publications.

I do not, and will not under any circumstances, administer physical or any other form of punishment with the intention of causing pain or discomfort, nor will I use any kind of humiliating or hurtful treatment to any child in my care, nor will I threaten to do so.

Wherever possible I try to meet parents/carers requests for the care of their children. 

I expect parents/carers to inform me of any changes in the child’s home circumstances, care arrangements or any other change which may affect the child’s behavior such as a new baby, parents/carers separation, divorce, a new partner or any bereavement. All information shared will be kept confidential unless there appears to be a child protection issue.

I work together with parents/carers to make sure there is consistency in the way their children are cared for. A consistent approach will benefit your child’s welfare and helps ensure strong and secure bonds, both in my setting and at home. 

I retain the right to terminate a contract if parents refuse to work consistently to tackle any issues that may arise.

I will only intervene physically, possibly restraining a child, in order to prevent an accident, such as a child running into the road, or to prevent injury or damage to that child, or to another child in my care.

All significant incidents are recorded in an incident book and will be shared and discussed with the parents/carers of the child concerned so that together we can work to resolve any behavioral issues.

Occasionally 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/carers.

I use distracting, diverting and re-directing children’s activities and attention, as a way of discouraging unwanted behavior.

I encourage responsibility by talking to children about their choices and the possible consequences.

I aim to be firm and consistent so that children know, and feel secure within the boundaries I set.

I will respond positively to children who constantly seek attention or are disruptive.

I will help children maintain their self-esteem by demonstrating that I only disapprove of their negative behaviour/choices, and not of the child themselves, and by using praise and positive language.

I will only use a time-out method of discipline where other methods have failed and in situations where I feel that the child would benefit from some quiet time to calm down and process information away from a noisy or busy environment. 

I encourage good behavior by setting a good example and by giving praise, both directly to the child and in front of the child’s parents/carers.

I follow the house rules closely. I expect anyone coming into the setting to follow the house rules, even parents/carers.  I believe that children learn best by following positive role models.

I reserve the right to cancel a contract with immediate effect if parents/carers do not follow my house rules.

I always try to explain my reasons for stopping certain behaviors or actions.

My expectations are flexible and realistic, and are adjusted to the age, level of understanding, maturity and stage of development of the child.