Behaviour Management Policy

1. Policy Statement

At Engineering Minds, we are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where all children can enjoy learning and exploring through our STEM activities.

We believe that positive behaviour should be encouraged and that behaviour management should focus on support, guidance and modelling rather than punishment. All staff are expected to help children develop the social and emotional skills necessary to interact positively with others.

2. Aims

This policy aims to:

Promote positive behaviour through praise and encouragement

Ensure a consistent and fair approach to managing behaviour

Provide clear expectations and boundaries for children

Support children to develop self-regulation, empathy and cooperation

Ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children and staff

3. Code of Conduct for Children

We encourage children to:

Be kind and respectful to others

Listen to adults and follow instructions

Use equipment safely and responsibly

Try their best and support their teammates

Respect other people's ideas, space and feelings

These expectations are discussed with children at the start of the club, in age-appropriate ways.

4. Role of Staff

All staff are responsible for:

Acting as positive role models in speech and behaviour

Using a calm and consistent approach

Praising good behaviour and effort

Offering gentle reminders and redirection when necessary

Supporting children to resolve minor disagreements constructively

Ensuring behaviour expectations are applied fairly and consistently

5. Strategies for Encouraging Positive Behaviour

Verbal praise and encouragement

Stickers or points (if appropriate)

Involving children in setting group expectations

Giving children responsibilities and leadership roles

Modelling respectful communication and problem-solving

6. Managing Unacceptable Behaviour

Step-by-Step Warning System

At Engineering Minds, we use a clear and consistent approach to manage ongoing or serious behaviour concerns. Our aim is to support children in improving their behaviour while maintaining a safe and focused learning environment for all.

Step 1: Verbal Warning to the Child and Informal Parent Communication
The tutor calmly speaks to the child, explains the inappropriate behaviour, and reminds them of expected behaviour.
Positive alternatives are offered, and the child is encouraged to try again.

The tutor or club lead will briefly inform the parent or carer after the session, explaining:

What occurred

What behaviour is expected

How we will support the child going forward

Step 2: Formal Parent Communication and Final Warning
If there is no improvement, or if the behaviour escalates, the parent/carer will be contacted for a more formal discussion.

If the behaviour continues despite parent involvement, a final warning may be issued in writing.
This may include a behaviour agreement between the child, parent, and club lead to support positive change.

Step 3: Exclusion from the Club
In cases where behaviour does not improve or poses a risk, a child may be excluded temporarily or permanently. This may apply in situations such as:

Repeated disruptive or aggressive behaviour

Endangering the safety of others

Refusal to follow adult instructions

Engineering Minds reserves the right to bypass earlier steps and proceed directly to exclusion in cases of serious incidents.

Parents will be notified in writing, with a clear explanation of the reasons for exclusion and a record of the steps previously taken.

We make every effort to support all children in participating fully and positively in our club. However, we also have a duty to safeguard the wellbeing, safety, and learning experience of the wider group.

7. Physical Intervention

Physical intervention will only be used when absolutely necessary, for example:

To prevent a child from harming themselves or others

To prevent serious damage to property

Any such intervention will be:

Recorded in writing

Reported to the DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead)

Shared with the child’s parents as soon as possible

8. Bullying and Discrimination

Bullying, discriminatory, or abusive behaviour is not tolerated.

All incidents will be:

Taken seriously

Investigated and recorded

Addressed with appropriate action, including involving the school’s safeguarding lead if necessary

9. Working with Parents and Schools

We believe in a collaborative approach. If concerns arise, we will:

Communicate clearly and respectfully with parents or carers

Involve the child’s school DSL where appropriate

Work together to support the child with strategies tailored to their needs

10. Review of Policy

This policy is reviewed annually or earlier if needed due to new guidance, feedback, or incidents.

Date of last review: 10th June 2025

Next review due: 10th June 2026