At BISP, we believe that a positive and supportive environment is essential for every child’s emotional and academic growth. For our youngest learners in the Early Years (EY) and Primary, we focus on fostering respectful relationships, promoting emotional well-being, and helping pupils develop the tools they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Our Behaviour Support Guidelines reflect these values, ensuring that we nurture not only academic progress but also personal growth through understanding, empathy, and self-regulation.

Rather than focusing solely on enforcing rules, we promote respect, understanding, and emotional regulation, all of which contribute to the mental health and well-being of our students. By working together—teachers, parents, and pupils—we can help each child reach their full potential, both academically and emotionally. Below are some key aspects of our approach, along with practical tips for parents to use at home:

Key Components of Our Approach

Behaviour as Communication: We view behaviour as a form of communication. Understanding what’s behind a young child’s actions helps us support their emotional needs, rather than simply reacting to the behaviour itself. This approach is crucial for fostering mental health, as it encourages deeper understanding and empathy.

Restorative Justice: We help pupils reflect on their behaviour, repair any harm done, and understand how their actions affect others. This method builds emotional intelligence, teaching children to take responsibility for their actions in a healthy, constructive way that enhances their well-being.

Emotion Coaching: We teach pupils how to recognise and manage their emotions through strategies that encourage self-regulation, problem-solving, and empathy. Supporting emotional literacy from an early age is key to maintaining balanced mental health and contributes to long-term emotional resilience.

Tips for Parents: How to Reinforce Positive Behaviour at Home

Consistency is Key: As in school, consistency helps young children understand what’s expected. Set clear and realistic boundaries at home, and calmly remind your child when they step outside them. This creates a sense of security, which is essential for emotional well-being.

Use Positive Language: Encourage good behaviour by recognising and praising it. For example, instead of saying “Stop running!”, try “Let’s walk so we can stay safe.” This reinforces positive behaviour while supporting your child’s self-esteem and mental health.

Teach Problem-Solving: When a conflict arises, guide your child through finding solutions. Ask questions like, “How do you think we can solve this problem?” This approach helps develop critical life skills, boosting confidence and emotional well-being.

Create Calm Spaces: Just like the calm spaces we have at school, create a quiet area at home where your child can go to regulate their emotions when they feel upset. These spaces can be invaluable for mental health, offering a refuge to process feelings in a safe, supportive environment.

Model Respectful Behaviour: Young children mirror the behaviour of the adults around them. Show respect and empathy in your interactions, and they are more likely to follow suit. Modelling healthy emotional expression promotes a positive mental health culture at home.

Emotion Coaching at Home: Help your child label their feelings and talk through them. Saying something like, “I can see you’re frustrated. Let’s figure out what we can do about it,” empowers them to handle emotions in a healthy way. This process supports well-being by validating their emotions and teaching them how to navigate emotional challenges.

By applying these simple strategies at home, you can reinforce what we’re doing in the classroom, helping your child develop positive behaviours and emotional resilience. Together, we can create a nurturing environment where they feel safe, valued, and ready to learn, with mental health and well-being at the heart of their development.