Updated: 28th February 2024
Definitions
Throughout this policy, the term ‘Lighthouse’ shall be taken to mean, collectively:
- Lighthouse Beaconsfield, Registered Charity No.1198953
- Lighthouse Burnham, Registered Charity No. 1182190
- Lighthouse Cressex, Registered Charity No. 1183476
- Lighthouse Derby City, registration applied for
- Lighthouse Haddenham, Registered Charity No. 1201685
- Lighthouse Hazlemere, Registered Charity No. 1178562
- Lighthouse High Wycombe, Registered Charity No. 1114541
- Lighthouse Langley, Registered Charity No. 1181000
- Lighthouse Loudwater, Registered Charity No. 1197125
- Lighthouse Mansfield, Registered Charity No. 1164680
- Lighthouse Marlow, Registered Charity No. 1178062
- Lighthouse Princes Risborough, Registered Charity No. 1178119
- Lighthouse Safe Harbour, Registered Charity No.1180779
- Lighthouse Shelswell, Registered Charity No. 1187651
- Lighthouse Central, Registered Charity No. 1169839
and Lighthouse Water Eaton which is an associate Lighthouse through St Frideswide’s Church, a resource hub in the Diocese of Oxford for community organising and church growth.
1. Statement of Policy on Behaviour
Lighthouse recognizes the importance of promoting acceptable behaviour on all Lighthouse sites. We believe that all children have the right to expect positive approaches to discipline, which foster self-esteem, respect, tolerance and self-control.
Lighthouse aims…
- To create an environment that encourages and reinforces good behaviour
- To ensure the wellbeing of all children and volunteers
- To ensure that all children are listened to and treated with equal respect
- To encourage de-escalation rather than confrontation
- To promote self-management, self-confidence and positive relationships
2. Standards of Behaviour
Within Lighthouse there are standards of behaviour that everyone is expected to observe:
- Our overall aim is to encourage good behaviour through praise and rewards (e.g. stickers)
- We will ensure that all children understand how they are expected to behave and it is clear that they are loved & valued even when their behaviour/actions are not
- Children may not hurt themselves, hurt others, or damage equipment or surroundings
- Physical punishment, such as smacking or shaking will NEVER be used or threatened
- Adults should not shout or raise their voices directly at any child or another volunteer
3. Guidance for Volunteers
We will do all we can to ensure that children and young people are treated with respect, as individuals. The welfare of the child is paramount. We expect all Lighthouse volunteers to:
- Listen carefully to children and value what they have to say
- Set clear and consistent boundaries for children and make them aware of the consequences of stepping over those boundaries
- Give the children clear and consistent explanations of the boundaries required in the different activities
- Ensure that children do not receive attention for unacceptable behaviour
- Allow children to express choices
- Acknowledge children’s feelings and encourage them to express them verbally or creatively
- Remember that children learn by example.
4. De-escalation of Behaviour
De-escalation of behaviour is a central part of managing a child’s learning and behaviour.
- The Quiet Area is available for children who are over-tired, or over-excited. This, however, should not be used as a disciplinary measure.
- Should children continue to exhibit unacceptable behaviour, their Lighthouse Keeper will talk to them and explain what behaviour is expected. This will be done as calmly as possible and without humiliation ie not in front of their Lighthouse or Age Group.
- Some children may need several reminders and appropriate early intervention by volunteers
- Should further action be necessary, a child should be temporarily separated from friends, or whatever is encouraging the difficult behaviour. They could be moved to a different place within the group, perhaps next to a Lamplighter or Lighthouse Keeper.
- If the problem continues, the Age Group Leader should be involved to talk to the child and reinforce what the Lighthouse Keeper has said.
- The next step would be for the child to be removed from the whole activity and to sit at the side and watch for a period.
- Finally, they will be given a warning that if their behaviour does not improve, they will be sent home from Lighthouse. If they are given this warning, the Age Group Leader will talk to their parent/carer at the end of the day and agree that if the unacceptable behaviour continues, the child will be sent home and will not be able to return to Lighthouse.
