Nursery World - Case history- The latchkey project

The Balham Family Centre in south London has developed ground rules for its Latchkey Project within its overall behaviour management policy. Jackie Clasby, the project co-ordinator, explains that first of all they worked on the Latchkey Rules for the children's behaviour. This code was drafted in consultation with the children and it continues to be reviewed on a regular basis, to reflect children's views and the way that they wish to express the rules.

This code was drafted in consultation with the children and it continues to be reviewed on a regular basis, to reflect children's views and the way that they wish to express the rules.

For instance, part of the 'respect' ground rule is 'No swearing, cussing or name calling'. As Jackie explains, 'cussing' is the word that the children currently want to use. It is local slang and they know what it means.

The rules are set out on an A5 folded leaflet and include a 'Street Behaviour Code' to ensure safety when the children are walked from their primary schools to the family centre.

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