Behaviour Management Policy

 

The Snappy Trust’s schemes are in place to provide an easy and fun environment for children and young people and as staff and volunteers we should encourage all kinds of play including noisy, boisterous, and messy (providing they are not harming themselves or others).  Some children and young people may display negative behaviour due to lack of communication and have become frustrated or distressed as there wants and needs are not being met. Ask to read each individual profile and assess the situation before attempting to calm a child/young person. 

 

The Snappy Trust does not use physical punishment of any form.  This includes hitting, pushing, or shaking.  We will not tolerate harsh methods of dealing with difficult behaviour i.e., shouting or threatening.

 

It is our policy to promote good behaviour wherever possible by:

• Noticing and praising good behaviour

• Avoiding situations where children receive staff/volunteer attention only in return for unacceptable behaviour

• Being aware of changes in behaviour patterns i.e., changes in medication or any other home circumstances

 

If a child or young person does behave in an unacceptable way:

• It should be made clear it is the behaviour that is unwelcome and not the child.

• Staff and volunteers should try to divert attention to more acceptable activities.

• The child or young person should be given support from staff/ volunteers in recognising why their behaviour is unacceptable and work together towards a better behaviour pattern

 

If the behaviour continues or a child or young person is seriously disruptive, and no other means can be found it may be necessary to use a short period of time out. Please read The Snappy Trust’s Time Out Policy.

 

In some extreme cases a child/young person may need to be restrained to prevent harm to themselves and others. No restraint to be performed by a volunteer or an untrained staff member. 

 

Any form of Time Out or Restraint that is performed must be documented and the project manager must be informed. The child/young person involved will then be monitored, if the behaviour persists, regular meetings between staff and project manager will be organised and strategies, support plans and risk assessments may be put in place.  

 

It is only in exceptional circumstances in The Snappy Trust that a child or young person will be excluded. This will be discussed in advance with the relevant care team.