Policy Statement

At happy hippos all children will be provided with positive experiences, regardless of disability, gender, family background, religion or ethnic origin.

Through being aware of such important issues, children will gain the opportunity to progress, achieve and develop into fulfilled, confident and happy individuals and without feelings of restrictions and negative self-worth within their adult lives.

Resources and materials will be selected to give children a balanced view of the world and allow them to appreciate the diversity of our multi-cultural society.

Happy hippos welcomes and will do its best to meet the requirements of children with special needs.

Stereotypes and derogatory pictures or messages will be avoided and all children will be provided with plenty of praise and encouragement.

Managing children's behaviour

As we all know there comes a time when all children reflect challenging behaviour. When this occurs the child will be given positive guidance through the following ways:

• focusing their attention on an appropriate activity
• encouraging the child to say sorry
• listening to the child as they explain why they feel upset
• working with the children to discuss their disagreements
• explaining to the children all about feelings and how we should try to share and be kind to one another
• as a last resort a child may be given a couple of minutes away from an activity (but not alone) to allow them time to calm down and to think about what has happened. How to deal with situations in a more positive way will also be explained to them.

If a child persistently behaves in a negative way and none of the above methods are successful, then you will be informed. As the child's parent or main carer, you know your child better than any one else and so you may be able to suggest other ways in which to deal with any unacceptable behaviour.