We explain simple expectations: treat others kindly, respect boundaries, use equipment safely, stay with the group and tell an adult when help is needed. Staff model calm behaviour, recognise effort and give instructions children can understand. Activities allow choice, rest and time to settle after school.

We respond to distress by seeking its cause and using reassurance, redirection, a quieter supervised space or an agreed support strategy. Staff consider disability, communication, sensory needs, trauma and tiredness. Children are not humiliated, threatened, deprived of food or toilet access, physically punished or locked away.

Bullying includes repeated intimidation, exclusion, discriminatory abuse and online conduct connected with the club. A serious single incident also requires action. Staff intervene, protect the child affected, listen separately to those involved, record facts and inform the manager. Sexualised harm, coercion or possible abuse follows the Safeguarding Policy, not only a behaviour process. Children are not required to confront an alleged aggressor or accept a forced apology.

We work with parents and children on a support plan, identifying triggers, agreed responses and a review date. We protect other children’s privacy when explaining incidents. We follow up to check that bullying has stopped and support all children affected without excusing harmful conduct.

Physical intervention is never punishment. Staff avoid it and use de-escalation wherever possible. In an immediate risk of injury, any intervention must be lawful, necessary, proportionate, as brief as possible and within staff competence. Staff must not use pain, obstruct breathing or improvise restraint techniques. Record the reason, action, duration, people involved and any injury; obtain medical or safeguarding advice and inform parents appropriately. The lead reviews every incident.

If a serious risk cannot be managed safely, the manager may stop the activity and arrange collection while continuing supervision. Longer exclusion is a last-resort, individual decision following reasonable-adjustment consideration, written reasons and review by someone not involved where practicable. Unused fees are assessed under policy 7. Families are not penalised for making a complaint.