Behaviour and Emotional Wellbeing

At The Nestlings, we understand that behaviour is communication. Children use their behaviour to express emotions, unmet needs, developmental differences and responses to the world around them. We believe that the way adults respond has the greatest influence on how children learn to understand and regulate their emotions.

Our aim is not simply to manage behaviour, but to build trusting relationships that help children feel safe, connected and understood. We recognise that children develop self-regulation through repeated experiences of co-regulation with calm, emotionally available adults.

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The Role of the Adult

Our staff strive to create an emotionally safe environment through their own interactions and behaviour. This includes:

• Greeting every child warmly and positively.

• Smiling and using open, welcoming body language.

• Being aware of tone of voice, pace and volume.

• Remaining calm, even during difficult moments.

• Regulating their own emotional responses before responding to a child.

• Getting down to the child's level whenever possible.

• Listening with genuine curiosity and without judgement.

• Leading children through connection rather than control.

• Building authentic, trusting relationships by sharing appropriate parts of themselves and showing empathy.

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Supporting Emotional Development

We promote the principles of the 5 to Thrive approach, recognising that secure relationships underpin children's emotional wellbeing and ability to learn.

When children become dysregulated, our first priority is to help them feel safe. Staff remain calm, offering reassurance and co-regulation rather than punishment. We acknowledge and validate emotions while helping children understand that all feelings are acceptable, although not all behaviours are.

Adults support children to:

• recognise and name their emotions

• understand how emotions affect their bodies and behaviour

• develop calming strategies such as breathing techniques, mindfulness and movement

• solve problems and repair relationships

• build resilience and emotional independence over time

Positive behaviours are recognised and reinforced through encouragement, specific praise and modelling, helping children develop confidence and intrinsic motivation.

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Responding to Behaviour

When behaviour presents a risk or impacts others, staff respond calmly, consistently and respectfully.

Strategies may include:

• moving close to the child and getting to their eye level

• using a calm, clear and reassuring voice

• using simple, positive language, for example "Walk" rather than "Don't run"

• using visual cues or agreed hand signals where appropriate

• redirecting towards safer or more appropriate choices

• explaining natural consequences in a developmentally appropriate way

• modelling the behaviour we would like to see

• allowing time and space for the child to regulate before discussing the situation

Whenever possible, discussions about behaviour take place once the child has returned to a calm, regulated state. Adults help children reflect on what happened, consider how others may have felt and explore strategies for next time. These conversations are always carried out with patience, empathy and respect.

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Keeping Everyone Safe

The Nestlings is a unique learning environment, offering children daily opportunities to explore both our carefully designed outdoor environments and the wider natural world. Children are encouraged to take managed risks, develop independence and learn through real-life experiences. Because of this, maintaining the safety and wellbeing of every child is paramount.

Where a child's behaviour presents an immediate risk to themselves or others, staff will intervene using the least restrictive approach necessary to maintain safety. Wherever possible, two members of staff will be present during any physical intervention. Adults will calmly explain what they are doing throughout, helping the child feel safe and reducing distress.

Any physical intervention will:

• only be used as a last resort

• be reasonable, proportionate and for the shortest possible time

• be recorded in writing

• be shared with parents or carers on the same day

• be reviewed to identify any additional support or adjustments that may be required

Where behaviours that present a significant risk continue over time, we will work closely with families and, where appropriate, external professionals to identify strategies and support that enable the child to succeed. In exceptional circumstances, where we believe we are unable to safely meet a child's needs within our provision, we will work collaboratively with parents to consider alternative support or provision that better meets their child's needs.

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Working in Partnership

Strong partnerships with families are central to supporting children's emotional wellbeing. We value open communication and will always seek to work collaboratively with parents, sharing successes as well as concerns, celebrating progress and agreeing consistent approaches that support each child's individual needs.

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Updated July 2026