relationships and behaviour
At Sir James Knott Nursery School and the Nest, we believe that positive relationships are at the heart of children’s learning, wellbeing and development. We are committed to creating a nurturing, inclusive and emotionally safe environment where every child feels valued, respected and supported to achieve, belong and thrive.
Our approach to relationships and behaviour is rooted in the understanding that young children are still developing the skills needed to manage emotions, build relationships and communicate their needs. We recognise that behaviour is a form of communication and that children learn best when supported by calm, caring and emotionally available adults.
Through secure relationships, consistent routines and high-quality interactions, we help children develop confidence, resilience, empathy and self-regulation skills. Staff use nurturing and relational approaches, including Emotion Coaching and co-regulation strategies, to support children in understanding feelings, building positive relationships and learning socially appropriate ways to express themselves.
We place a strong emphasis on emotional wellbeing and creating environments that help children feel safe, secure and ready to learn. Children are supported to develop kindness, cooperation, independence and respect for others through play, modelling and everyday experiences within nursery life.
Partnership working with families is central to our approach. We work closely with parents and carers to ensure consistency between home and nursery and to support every child’s emotional development and wellbeing.
At Sir James Knott Nursery School and the Nest, we want every child to feel listened to, understood and supported as they develop the foundations for positive relationships, emotional wellbeing and lifelong learning.
toileting and privacy
At Sir James Knott Nursery School and the Nest, we are committed to ensuring that every child is treated with dignity, respect and sensitivity during all aspects of personal care. We recognise that children develop toileting skills at different rates and that some children may require additional support with toileting, nappy changing or personal care needs.
Our staff work closely with families to promote independence whilst ensuring children feel safe, comfortable and valued. Personal care routines are carried out in a calm, nurturing and respectful manner, with children's privacy maintained at all times. Staff use these moments as valuable opportunities to build positive relationships, encourage communication and support children's growing independence.
Both Sir James Knott Nursery School and the Nest have an Personal Care Policy which outlines how we safely and appropriately support children with toileting, nappy changing and personal care needs. The policy ensures that all care is delivered consistently, respectfully and in partnership with families, whilst safeguarding the welfare and wellbeing of every child.
If you would like further information about our approach to toileting, privacy or intimate care, please speak to a member of staff who will be happy to discuss how we can support your child's individual needs or refer to our policy.
Safe sleep
At Sir James Knott Nursery School and the Nest, the safety, wellbeing and individual needs of every child are our highest priority. We recognise the importance of safe sleeping practices in supporting children's health, development and emotional wellbeing, particularly for our youngest children.
We work closely with families to understand each child's sleep routines, preferences and individual needs. Sleep and rest opportunities are provided in a calm, comfortable and supervised environment, ensuring that children are able to rest safely and securely.
All staff are trained in safe sleep practices and follow national guidance to minimise risks and promote children's wellbeing. Regular checks are undertaken whilst children are sleeping, and detailed records are maintained to ensure effective communication with families.
Both Sir James Knott Nursery School and the Nest have a Safe Sleep Policy which outlines the procedures and expectations for supporting children during sleep and rest times. The policy ensures that safe sleeping practices are implemented consistently, that children's individual needs are respected and that the highest standards of care are maintained at all times.
We believe that children thrive when they feel safe, secure and well-rested, and we are committed to working in partnership with families to support healthy sleep habits and routines.
Safe eating
At Sir James Knott Nursery School and the Nest, we are committed to providing a safe, positive and enjoyable mealtime experience for every child. We recognise that eating and drinking are important parts of children's health, wellbeing and development, and we work closely with families to ensure that individual dietary, medical and cultural needs are understood and respected.
Our staff create calm and supportive mealtime environments where children are encouraged to develop independence, confidence and healthy eating habits. We carefully monitor children during meals, snacks and cooking activities, ensuring that food is prepared, served and consumed safely at all times.
The safety of children with allergies, intolerances, medical conditions or additional needs is of paramount importance. Staff are trained to follow robust procedures to minimise risks and respond appropriately to individual care plans and dietary requirements.
Both Sir James Knott Nursery School and the Nest have a Safe Eating Policy which outlines the procedures and expectations for supporting children during meals, snacks and food-related activities. The policy ensures that safe eating practices are implemented consistently, that individual needs are met and that children are supported to enjoy food safely and confidently.
By working in partnership with families, we aim to promote healthy lifestyles, positive relationships with food and safe eating habits that support children's growth, development and wellbeing.