At our nursery, we believe that all children are entitled to be cared for in a safe, nurturing environment where everyone feels happy, valued, and secure. We recognise that children are learning how to understand their emotions, manage their feelings, and develop relationships, and we see behaviour as a form of communication.

We work in close partnership with families to support children in developing a positive image of themselves and others, respect for those around them, good social skills, and a positive attitude towards learning.

Our Approach to Behaviour

We promote positive behaviour through kindness, understanding, compassion, fairness, and equality. These values are consistently modelled by the Acorn staff team, helping children to learn through positive relationships and example.

Our approach focuses on:

• Supporting children to recognise and manage their emotions in age-appropriate ways

• Encouraging kindness, sharing, turn-taking, and respect for others

• Using praise and encouragement to reinforce positive behaviour

• Offering clear, consistent boundaries to help children feel safe and secure

• Supporting children to resolve conflicts calmly and fairly

We recognise that challenging behaviour is a normal part of development, including actions such as shouting, hitting, or biting. Such behaviours are always responded to calmly and consistently, helping children to understand the impact of their actions and to develop alternative ways to express themselves.

Working in Partnership with Parents and Carers

In the unlikely event that concerns arise regarding your child’s behaviour, these will be shared sensitively with you at collection time. If behaviour continues or additional support is needed, your child’s Key Worker and/or our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo) may contact you to work together and offer guidance and support.

Any strategies used will be discussed and agreed with parents/carers, ensuring a consistent approach between home and nursery.

What Parents Can Expect from Us

• Staff will treat every child with respect, kindness, and understanding

• All behaviour is managed consistently and fairly, with clear explanations for children

• Parents/carers will be informed promptly if any behaviour concerns arise

• We will work with you to develop strategies and support your child’s social and emotional development

• Physical behaviours (biting, hitting, etc.) are addressed immediately and sensitively, with a focus on teaching alternative ways to express feelings

Further Information

For more detailed information about how we support children’s behaviour, please refer to our Behaviour Management Policy, which is available upon request.

Our aim is to support every child to feel confident, understood, and supported as they develop the social and emotional skills they need to thrive.