Nursery World - Positive Relationships - Behaviour: part 2

Success in working with children who cannot stay in control comes down to the team working among well-supported staff at any early years setting, says Pat Gordon-Smith.

The first article in this series looked at how a strong ethos provides the framework for supporting all children, including those whose actions make life difficult for themselves and others. But while ethos is fundamental, it can't always help in the moment when a child's emotions ignite and staff find themselves struggling to respond. Nor can ethos alone sustain practitioners who are coping with distressing circumstances over a lengthy period. For that, flexibility and a constant eye on staff needs are required.

Staff are the 'most valuable resource'

'Practitioners everywhere will struggle to support children if they do not feel supported themselves,' says child psychologist Jennie Lindon. 'It's vital for any practitioner to be able to say what they are really feeling in a quiet and professional way to at least one colleague, and to know that they will not be judged.'

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