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Supporting Children's Behaviour
This guidance reflects Scotland's Health and Social Care Standards and the Care Inspectorate's expectations around positive relationships and supporting children's development.
Building Positive Relationships
Create warm, trusting relationships with the children in your care
Be consistent, calm and patient
Give children your full attention and listen to them
Respect children as individuals with their own thoughts and feelings
Encouraging Positive Behaviour
Set clear, age-appropriate boundaries
Use positive language – tell children what to do, not just what not to do
Praise and acknowledge good behaviour
Be a positive role model
Help children understand the consequences of their actions
Responding to Challenging Behaviour
Stay calm – children take cues from adults
Try to understand the reason behind the behaviour
Acknowledge the child's feelings while addressing the behaviour
Use distraction and redirection, especially with younger children
Discuss behaviour management approaches with parents to ensure consistency
What is Never Acceptable
Physical punishment of any kind
Shouting, threatening or intimidating a child
Humiliating or belittling a child
Withholding food, drink or comfort as punishment
Isolating a child for extended periods
Reference: Scottish Government – Health and Social Care Standards; Care Inspectorate Quality Framework