Be able to follow policy and procedure for behaviour within an Early Years Setting
Table of Contents
Case Study
Robert is three and a half years old. He is usually a kind and thoughtful child, but recently he has started to have tantrums when asked to hang up his own coat and bag. He’s always done this quite happily in the past, but now he is reacting in quite an extreme way when asked to complete this simple daily task.
His key person speaks to his mum to find out whether or not he has mentioned anything at home about why he no longer wants to hang up his own things. Mum replies that he is getting quite ‘stroppy’ about a lot of things and does not like to help or be independent any more.
Robert’s key person involves a couple of other relevant staff and they all try to do more observations on Robert to see if they can see any other changes in his behaviour. They notice after a few days that he rarely gets chosen to be a helper, and when the chosen helper offers him the bowl to serve food at lunch time he is rude and resentful towards the helper, and pushes the bowl away.
They talk to Robert about how helpers are chosen and tell him that they’d like his help in picking the afternoon snack helper. He is pleased to do this and assists in a very grown up way. His key person then says that because he has done so well in choosing a calm and well-behaved child, he will be the cloakroom helper tomorrow and wear the helper badge himself. Robert is delighted and when they come in from outdoor play, he hangs his coat up quickly and tidily, without any fuss.
- Why do you think Robert was protesting in the first place?
- What do you think Robert was feeling?
- Do you think the nursery staff could learn anything from this situation with Robert?
- How do you think his mum was feeling about his continual tantrums at home?
- What could the nursery do differently in the future, if anything?
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.