Importance of behaviour management in the early years

Behaviour management is a crucial aspect of early years education, setting the foundation for a child's future learning and social interactions. Effective behaviour management supports a positive learning environment and fosters emotional and social development.

In this blog, Anna will explore the importance of behaviour management in early years settings, highlighting key facts, statistics, definitions, and best practices for implementing relevant legislation and regulations.

Key facts and statistics

Impact on learning - According to the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), effective behaviour management strategies can increase learning by up to four months.
Teacher retention - Research by the National Education Union (NEU) indicates that poor behaviour is a significant factor in teacher stress and attrition, with 35% of teachers citing it as a primary reason for leaving the profession.
Early intervention - Studies show that early intervention in behaviour management can reduce the likelihood of future behavioural issues, improving long-term educational outcomes.

Key definitions

Behaviour management - The process of guiding and supporting children to understand and manage their own behaviour. It involves the implementation of strategies and techniques to promote positive behaviour and reduce challenging behaviour.
Positive reinforcement - A technique used to encourage desirable behaviour by offering rewards or praise.
Consistent boundaries - Clear, consistent rules and expectations that help children understand acceptable behaviour.

Best practices for implementation

Understanding Legislation and Regulations

In the UK, behaviour management in early years settings is governed by several key pieces of legislation and guidance, including:

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework - This statutory framework sets standards for learning, development, and care for children from birth to five years old. It emphasises the importance of managing behaviour through positive reinforcement and creating a safe, inclusive environment.
The Children Act 1989 and 2004 - These acts place a duty on early years providers to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, including managing behaviour effectively to prevent harm.

Creating a positive learning environment

Establish clear expectations - Communicate behaviour expectations to children, using age-appropriate language. Consistency is key in helping children understand what is expected of them.
Positive reinforcement - Use praise and rewards to encourage good behaviour. Recognise and celebrate achievements, no matter how small, to motivate children to repeat positive actions.
Modelling behaviour - Staff should model the behaviour they expect from children. Demonstrating respect, patience, and kindness sets a strong example for young learners.

Training and development

Regular training - Ensure that all staff receive regular training on behaviour management techniques. This should include understanding the principles of positive reinforcement, setting boundaries, and de-escalation strategies.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) - Encourage staff to engage in ongoing CPD opportunities to stay updated on the latest research and best practices in behaviour management.

Click here to see our full list of CPDUK certified childcare and early years online training courses.

Engaging with parents and carers

Open communication - Maintain open lines of communication with parents and carers. Share behaviour management strategies used in the setting and provide guidance on how they can support these at home.
Collaborative approach - Work with parents to address any behavioural issues, ensuring consistency between home and the early years setting.

Recommendations

Implement comprehensive training programmes - Early years providers should invest in comprehensive behaviour management training programmes for all staff members. This includes initial training and ongoing CPD to ensure that strategies are effectively implemented and updated regularly.
Utilise technology for compliance and training - Platforms like ComplyPlus™ can streamline the management of statutory and regulatory compliance, including training and development. ComplyPlus™ offers a robust learning management system (LMS) that supports early years providers in maintaining up-to-date training records and accessing the latest guidance and best practices.
Foster a positive and inclusive environment - Create an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and respected. This involves understanding and catering to the diverse needs of all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Conclusion

Effective behaviour management in the early years is essential for creating a positive learning environment and fostering children's social and emotional development. By understanding and implementing the relevant legislation and regulations, providing comprehensive staff training, and engaging with parents and carers, early years providers can ensure that children develop the skills they need to thrive.

For comprehensive solutions to behaviour management training and regulatory compliance, consider using ComplyPlus™. Our platform provides the tools and resources to support early years providers in delivering high-quality care and education.

About the author

Anna Nova Galeon

Anna, our wordsmith extraordinaire, plays a pivotal role in quality assurance. She collaborates seamlessly with subject matter experts and marketers to meet stringent quality standards. Her linguistic precision and meticulous attention to detail elevate our content, ensuring prominence, clarity, and alignment with global quality benchmarks.