Behaviour at Cambridge Nursery School
At Cambridge Nursery School, our behaviour and pastoral approach is centred on children’s safety, emotional well‑being and positive relationships. We believe that young children thrive when adults are calm, consistent and caring, and when school and families work together to support each child’s needs. All behaviour is understood as a form of communication, and staff respond by looking for the feelings behind a child’s actions rather than focusing solely on the behaviour itself.
We teach children that everyone has the right to feel safe, that big feelings are normal, and that their actions can affect others. Through daily routines, modelling and planned activities, children learn simple self‑regulation strategies and begin to understand how to look after themselves, their friends and their school environment.
Staff support children by modelling positive behaviour, using clear and simple language, and offering praise and encouragement to reinforce positive choices. They are trained to notice early signs of distress and step in quickly with calm, supportive strategies. When children experience big feelings, staff provide soothing language, calming techniques and time to settle. If behaviour becomes unsafe, the priority is to keep everyone safe, using physical intervention only as a last resort and solely to prevent harm.
Ongoing behaviour concerns are addressed through careful observation, consultation with the SENDCo and close partnership with parents. When needed, external professionals may be involved to ensure the child receives the right support. Plans are reviewed regularly, and at no point do we use shame or harsh punishment; instead, we teach new skills and help children feel secure.
We value strong relationships with families and encourage open communication. Parents are invited to share any concerns, use similar calming language at home, and let us know about changes that may affect their child. Together, we aim to ensure every child feels safe, understood and supported, develops positive relationships, learns to manage their feelings and enjoys school.
