Artspiration  Behaviour Policy
 

Section 1: Introduction

Our aim is to provide a welcoming and nurturing experience for all our children.  We want all children to enjoy the sessions and their art as much as we do.

Our staff will use positive behaviour management strategies to promote the welfare and enjoyment of all children attending our sessions.  Working in partnership with parents, we aim to encourage and foster good behaviour using clear, consistent and positive strategies.

We expect children to:

• Behave well and be kind

• Respect others, accepting difference

• Look after art materials, equipment and resources

• Listen to staff

• Cause undue distractions to other children or staff

• Ask for help if they need it

Mobile phones, food and drink are not allowed in our sessions as we like to minimise distractions and risks of spillages to artwork. If children are likely to require a drink, they may bring in a water bottle.
 

Section 2: Approach

We use positive discipline at Arty class as we believe that this approach helps to encourage a child to learn, adapt and make positive choices in the longer term. 

Examples of positive discipline include:

• Setting expectations at the start of each term and reinforcing these expectations consistently (such as listening and being kind)

• Modelling appropriate behaviour

• Building positive relationships with children – for instance knowing every student’s name and learning about their interests.

• Using praise and positive reinforcement

• Good staff to child ratio to support individual learning

• Using the space and layout to aid positive working

• Removing objects in the environment that cause distractions

• Searching for the root cause of the misbehaviour

• Remain neutral during conflicts

• Listening to students and treating them with respect

• Provide students with different choices

Staff will promote and actively encourage good behaviour, leading by example.  For instance, staff demonstrate expectations by arriving on time and being polite and kind to others.  As much as possible our staff will communicate clearly and consistently. By establishing clear boundaries, according to the level of the child’s understanding, children become aware of routines and settings and know what is expected of them. 

We encourage our students by providing positive feedback.  For instance, if someone is listening well, or putting their hand up when we ask a question, we select these children over ones who shout out.  To acknowledge and reassert good behaviour, we thank children, (e.g. ‘thank you for putting your hand up’) or saying ‘good answer, but please put your hand up’.  We avoid using language like ‘don’t do that’, ‘stop talking’, or ‘haven’t you finished yet’. 

 

Section 3: Issues of concern

One child’s behaviour must not be allowed to endanger the other children in the session by distracting the supervising staff for any prolonged period. 

If there are any specific issues that staff need to be aware of, parents/ carers should declare this when they register their child on to Arty class.

If a child’s behaviour is of concern, the following steps will be taken:

1. The child will be given a verbal warning by the teacher and an explanation about why their behaviour is unacceptable. Staff will monitor and record the incidents.  If necessary, the teacher may have a quiet word with the child after the session, with a parent or carer present (for instance if it is not suitable to address in class).
    

2. If this does not resolve the matter, the parent/carer will be informed by the teacher at collection time.
    

3. If the unacceptable behaviour continues, if there is no improvement, the teacher will let the Arty class office know and Arty class will discuss with the parent/ carer or school office (in case of an after school club).
    

4. If behaviour still does not improve, the child will be excluded from the club. A refund minus £15 admin charge will be made if another child fills the place.
    

*Extreme behaviour* Extreme disruptive behaviour for e.g.: shouting, yelling, hitting, biting, throwing objects- potential for harm, abusive language, swearing, name calling may result in exclusion immediately.

In which case, the parent/ carer will be called and asked to collect the child and given an explanation either on the phone or upon collection.  

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Last updated: March 2025