Behaviour at Cambridge Nursery School

At Cambridge Nursery, we want every child to feel safe, happy and cared for. We believe children learn best when they know adults are calm, kind and ready to help them.

We also know that children’s behaviour is a way of showing how they feel, even when they can’t find the right words.

What We Believe

• Every child is important and should feel respected and included.

• All behaviour tells us something. We look for the reason behind it, not just the behaviour itself.

• Children do well when they feel safe, loved and understood.

• Adults stay calm, caring and consistent — even when things get tricky.

What We Teach Children

We help children learn that:

• We all share our school and need to look after it together.

• Everyone has the right to feel safe.

• It’s okay to have big feelings.

• We can learn ways to calm ourselves.

• Our actions affect others.

How Staff Support Children

Staff help children by:

• Being good role models — showing kindness, calm voices and respectful behaviour.

• Planning activities that help children learn about feelings.

• Giving clear, simple instructions.

• Praising positive behaviour.

• Spotting when a child is struggling and stepping in early.

• Working closely with parents when there are behaviour concerns.

How We Help Children With Big Feelings

When a child starts to feel overwhelmed, we might:

• Offer a break or calm space.

• Use soothing language like “I can see you’re upset.”

• Show them simple calming skills (breathing, squeezing a toy, etc.).

• Give them time and space to settle.

If a child becomes very upset or unsafe, we focus on:

• Keeping everyone safe.

• Staying calm and using as few words as possible.

• Comforting the child after they are calm.

• Talking about what happened in a gentle, age-appropriate way.

Physical intervention (holding a child) is only ever used to stop someone getting hurt, and only as a last resort.

Rewards and Encouragement

We use:

• Lots of praise and positive attention.

• Fun activities with an adult.

• Messages home to celebrate success.

• Small goals for children who need extra support.

When Behaviour Keeps Causing Concern

If a child struggles again and again, we:

1. Watch closely to understand what’s going on.

2. Talk with the SENDCo if needed.

3. Work with parents to make a plan.

4. Involve outside professionals if helpful.

5. Review the plan regularly.

We do not shame children or punish them harshly. We teach them new skills and help them feel safe.

How Parents Can Help

• Talk openly with us — we have an open-door approach.

• Use the same calm, kind language at home.

• Try some of the calming strategies we use in school.

• Let us know if anything is happening at home that may affect your child.

Our Overall Aim

To help every child:

• Feel safe

• Feel understood

• Learn how to manage their feelings

• Build good relationships

• Enjoy school and thrive