Behaviour Management Policy
Smart Steps promotes a positive, respectful environment where children are supported to develop self-regulation, empathy and problem-solving skills.
Behaviour is understood as communication and staff work with children and families to support positive outcomes.
Policy Contents
Overview
Supporting Children
Code of Behaviour (Children's Agreement)
Responding to Concerns
Partnership and Inclusion
Supporting the School Community
Supporting Children with Additional Needs
Governance
Policy Statement
Smart Steps aims to support and guide children to manage their own behaviour and develop the confidence and skills needed to resolve conflicts positively.
Children attending Smart Steps come to play, socialise and participate in new experiences. These experiences may at times challenge their coping strategies. Staff support children through these moments using a respectful, supportive and developmentally appropriate approach.
Smart Steps works in partnership with parents and guardians to support children in developing positive behaviour, placing each child’s needs, rights and wellbeing at the centre of our practice.
Positive Behaviour Culture
Smart Steps promotes a positive behaviour culture across all services. Staff focus on creating an environment where children feel safe, respected and valued.
Positive behaviour is supported through:
warm and respectful relationships between staff and children
clear and consistent expectations
active supervision of children during activities and transitions
engaging activities that reflect children’s interests
encouraging cooperation, empathy and respect for others
recognising children’s efforts and achievements
Children at Smart Steps are supported to develop self-regulation skills, problem-solving abilities and confidence in managing social situations.
Smart Steps recognises that behaviour is a form of communication and staff seek to understand the underlying needs that may influence a child’s behaviour.
Behaviour guidance within Smart Steps is proactive, supportive and developmentally appropriate, focusing on teaching skills rather than punishing behaviour.
Principles and Legislative Framework
This policy operates in line with the Child Care Act 1991 (Registration of School Age Services) Regulations 2018 and reflects best practice guidance in supporting children’s wellbeing and development.
Smart Steps is committed to supporting children in a way that:
respects the dignity and rights of every child
promotes inclusion and equality
recognises the developmental stage and individual needs of each child
supports children to develop independence and emotional regulation
encourages positive relationships and respectful communication
Supporting Positive Behaviour
Staff support children’s behaviour through positive relationships, consistent expectations and supportive environments.
Positive behaviour is encouraged by:
modelling respectful behaviour and communication
acknowledging children’s feelings and experiences
encouraging children to express their thoughts and emotions appropriately
providing a wide range of engaging play opportunities
allowing children choice and autonomy in their play
creating play spaces that encourage cooperation and creativity
Children are encouraged to talk about their feelings and are supported to develop strategies for managing frustration, anger or upset.
Code of Behaviour (Children’s Agreement)
Smart Steps supports children to take an active role in creating a respectful and positive environment within the service.
At the beginning of each school year, and at the start of holiday programmes, children work with staff to develop a Code of Behaviour for the service. This agreement is created in consultation with the children and reflects the values of respect, inclusion and cooperation.
The Code of Behaviour typically includes expectations such as:
being kind and respectful to others
playing fairly and including others in activities
listening to staff and following safety instructions
respecting equipment and shared spaces
asking for help when needed
By involving children in creating these expectations, Smart Steps encourages children to take ownership of their behaviour and develop responsibility within the group.
The Code of Behaviour is developed in a child-friendly format and reflects the age and developmental stage of the children attending the service.
The Code of Behaviour is displayed within the service and reviewed regularly with the children.
Conflict Resolution
When conflicts arise between children, staff support children to resolve issues in a calm and respectful way.
Staff use a conflict resolution approach which involves:
approaching the situation calmly
acknowledging the feelings of those involved
giving each child the opportunity to explain what happened
helping children understand the problem
supporting children to think of possible solutions
supporting children to agree on a fair solution together
Staff remain neutral throughout the process and support children in developing empathy, communication and problem-solving skills.
Moderate Behaviour Concerns
Moderate behaviour concerns may arise when challenging behaviour becomes more frequent or begins to impact the child’s participation in the service.
Where this occurs, staff may:
document incidents to identify patterns or triggers
observe the child’s interactions and environment
discuss strategies with the child where appropriate
communicate regularly with parents or guardians
develop short-term support plans to help the child manage situations more successfully
Smart Steps works collaboratively with parents and guardians to support the child and review strategies where required.
Serious Behaviour Concerns
Serious behaviour concerns may include behaviours that place the child or others at risk of harm, or behaviours that significantly impact the child’s engagement in the service.
Where serious concerns arise, Smart Steps may:
• implement an individual support plan for the child
• meet with parents or guardians to discuss appropriate strategies
• carry out observations to identify possible triggers
• seek advice or support from relevant professionals where appropriate
In rare situations where a child is at risk of harming themselves or others, staff may intervene to ensure immediate safety. Any physical intervention will only be used as a last resort, will be minimal and proportionate, and will be recorded in accordance with service procedures.
Communication with Parents
Smart Steps recognises the importance of working in partnership with parents and guardians when supporting children’s behaviour.
Where necessary, staff may speak with parents or guardians regarding a child’s behaviour. These conversations are conducted respectfully and in a private setting.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to share relevant information with the service that may help staff support their child effectively.
Where additional supports or strategies are required, meetings may be arranged to develop a plan in collaboration with parents and guardians.
Supporting the School Community
Smart Steps operates in partnership with the schools in which our services are based. We recognise the importance of maintaining consistency for children between the school day and the afterschool environment.
Where appropriate, Smart Steps aims to support the values and expectations of the host school while maintaining our child-led, play-based approach to school-age childcare.
Where necessary, Smart Steps may collaborate with schools and parents/guardians to ensure consistent strategies are used to support a child’s wellbeing and positive behaviour.
Supporting Children with Additional Needs
Smart Steps recognises that some children may require additional support to manage behaviour or social interactions.
Where appropriate, Smart Steps will work collaboratively with parents/guardians and, where relevant, external professionals to ensure children receive the support they need to participate fully in the service.
Strategies may include:
adapting the environment or routines
providing additional adult support where possible
using visual supports or structured transitions
implementing individual support or care plans
Smart Steps is committed to promoting an inclusive environment where every child feels supported, respected and able to participate in the service.
Prohibited Practices
Smart Steps does not permit practices that are disrespectful, degrading or harmful to children.
The following practices are strictly prohibited:
corporal punishment
shouting at or humiliating children
threatening or intimidating behaviour
isolating or excluding children as punishment
emotional or physical harm
bullying of any form
Behaviour guidance at Smart Steps is based on respect, support and positive relationships.
Policy Information
Policy Owner: Smart Steps Ltd
Approved by: Smart Steps Management
Date of Last Review: 05/03/2026
Review Cycle: Every 2 years or sooner if required