National Minimum Standards for Regulated Day Care - Open Access Play for children aged 5 years to 12 years: statutory guidance - Audience and overview
Standards of care open access play providers must meet to look after children age 5 years to 12 years.
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Standard 6: Behaviour
Child’s Voice: I am treated with respect, and I learn to treat others with respect too.
Well-being Outcome: Children are supported to develop emotional regulation, empathy and positive social interactions.
The registered person is responsible for ensuring that:
6.1 Adults caring for children in the provision are appropriately trained and able to respond to a wide range of children’s behaviour, uphold children’s rights and promote their wellbeing in accordance with their behaviour management policy.
6.2 A written behaviour management policy is drawn up and implemented which set out the measure of control, restraint and discipline which will be used and demonstrates how appropriate behaviour is promoted in line with the playwork principles. The policy is kept under active review and CIW is notified of any revision within 28 days of it being made.
6.3 It is clear who has responsibility for the behaviour management policy. That person has the skills to support any other staff and is able to access expert advice if usual methods are not effective with a particular child.
6.4 Responses to behaviour is consistent and developmentally appropriate, respecting individual children’s level of understanding and maturity.
6.5 Adults model positive behaviour, providing praise and encouragement, and fostering good relationships between adults and children. Inappropriate behaviour, including bullying, is managed, addressed and discouraged.
6.6 Adults providing play opportunities are alert to instances of bullying and encourage children to report any concerns.
6.7 Physical punishments, such as shaking or smacking a child or the threat of them, are never used.
6.8 Adults do not use any form of physical intervention, e.g., holding or restraint, unless it is necessary to prevent personal injury to the child, other children or an adult, or serious damage to property. See Reducing restrictive practices framework.
6.9 Children are never humiliated, shouted at, intimidated, or shamed.
To assist providers, the principal regulatory requirements underpinning this standard are outlined below, followed by relevant guidance. Providers should note that neither list is exhaustive, and that providers must have regard to standards relevant to their service and the circumstances concerned.