Understand policies and procedures relating to positive behaviour in Early Years Settings
Table of Contents
Case Study
Miranda is two and a half years old and has started hitting other children when they get too close to her. This is becoming a problem as ‘too close’ could be just sitting at the next table setting, being next to someone on the carpet, or using the next coat hook. Miranda used to be quite amiable and gentle. If someone sits next to her now, she hits them screaming “go away!”
The staff are getting very anxious as they can see a real change in her and are worried, but also a little irritated at the ‘little madam’ she is becoming. After a week or two of this behaviour everyone has had enough and they decide her key worker Tom should speak to mum about it.
Miranda’s mum responds: “I know she is being an absolute nightmare lately. She is quite simply spoilt and she is only two! My sister separated from her husband 3 weeks ago and she also has a little girl who is 4 years old. We don’t have a very big house but have to put her up. We thought it was only right. We let the girls share a bed, which Miranda loved for the first three nights, but now she screams at her cousin and won’t let anyone share anything of hers. I think she’s just being selfish!”
Tom says, kindly “Well, you could be right, but she is very young and perhaps she thinks in her own limited understanding that she has no autonomy now, and that all her things are now her cousin’s. There could also be a sense of loss or rejection if she is having to share you and all her things. She will not be able to understand words like temporary. Perhaps we should talk to her and create some areas she can really call her own?”
- Do you think Tom is right?
- Should Miranda just be expected to share?
- How might Miranda be feeling? What emotions could she be going through?
- How else might the adults help Miranda?
- How would your setting’s policies and procedures be useful to them at this time with this child’s behaviour?
It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the response you have chosen to this scenario will be judged as right or wrong. Share your scenario with a work colleague and ask them to tell you if they think you have responded appropriately. Ask them to challenge your response if necessary. You do not need to submit this task for assessment unless asked to do so by your tutor.