How to Encourage Positive Behaviour

At Flying Colours, our experience tells us that routine, clear rules and clear boundaries ensures children have a distinct understanding of what is expected of them, which in turn leads to positive experiences whilst in the setting.

When staff at nursery observe children displaying especially kind and positive behaviour, or when they have achieved something of personal significance, they are encouraged by the team and by their peers. This positive approach is by far the most effective way of encouraging good behaviour, and in a nursery, good behaviour spreads!

So, what are our top tips for encouraging good behaviour?

• When planning rewards as an incentive for positive behaviour, it’s important to consider the interest of the child, and agree targets together, so that the child understands the targets. They must be achievable.
• Play down negative behaviours where you can unless a child has physically hurt somebody. If you give the child attention (even negative attention) then this can be rewarding the negative behaviour with what they want - a reaction. Use terms such as “that makes me very sad” and walk away.
• Include other adults in targets so they know what to expect from the child and what they are working towards. “If Jack has to tidy his room so does daddy!”
• Make the reward special. It doesn’t have to cost money: quality play time with adults is far more rewarding and beneficial to children than expensive gifts. It also has an increased success rate for promoting positive behaviour in the long run! Ideas could include: a bike ride; baking together; making a den under the table; a movie night or a games night.
• Try not to use food as an incentive, as there is a lot of research to suggest that using this as a reward can lead to unhealthy relationships with that food in the future.

Top tips for at home

1. Have clear and realistic expectations.
2. Where possible, play down negative behaviour and praise positive.
3. Don’t do anything for an easy life e.g. bribe - “stop that and you can have a sweet...”
4. Get everyone involved and take part.​​

Laura Perry PGCE

Nursery Manager

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