Behaviour Management, Suspension and Exclusion Policy
July 2026
LC Policy #35
At Little Crumpets, we believe that children thrive in an environment where they feel safe, valued, respected and understood. We encourage kindness, empathy and mutual respect and use positive behaviour management strategies to support children in making good choices and developing healthy relationships with others.
We recognise that all behaviour is a form of communication and that children may, at times, need additional support to regulate their emotions or manage challenging situations. Staff will always seek to understand the reasons behind a child's behaviour and will work closely with parents, carers and, where appropriate, the school to provide consistent support.
Where inappropriate behaviour occurs, staff will use constructive behaviour management techniques, helping children to reflect on their actions, understand the impact of their behaviour and identify positive strategies for the future.
Some children may require additional support in order to achieve acceptable levels of behaviour. Where these needs are identified, Little Crumpets will work in partnership with parents and carers to agree appropriate strategies in accordance with our Children’s Behaviour Policy.
Persistent or Challenging Behaviour
If a child persistently behaves in a way that is unsafe, disruptive or inappropriate, the following steps will be taken:
Staff will give the child a formal warning and explain why the behaviour is unacceptable, together with the possible consequences should the behaviour continue.
The child will be encouraged to discuss their behaviour, reflect on their actions and identify ways to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Details of formal warnings, suspensions and exclusions will be recorded and kept within the child's records.
Parents or carers will be informed and involved in discussions regarding the child's behaviour and any support strategies that may be required.
All relevant staff members will be made aware of the agreed approach.
Staff will consult the manager if a child's behaviour raises concerns that may require suspension or exclusion.
Little Crumpets will always seek to work collaboratively with families and, where appropriate, other agencies to access advice or additional support before considering suspension or exclusion.
Suspension
Suspension will only be considered as a last resort when all other behaviour management strategies have been exhausted or where the safety and wellbeing of children or staff are at risk.
A temporary suspension may be applied in the following circumstances:
Where formal warnings and agreed support strategies have failed to improve persistent, challenging or unacceptable behaviour.
Following an extremely serious or dangerous incident that places children or staff at immediate risk.
In such circumstances, parents or carers will be contacted immediately and asked to collect their child. Any immediate suspension must be authorised by the manager.
The suspension period may last for up to fifteen consecutive days. During this time, Little Crumpets will work with parents and carers to agree strategies to support a successful return to the setting.
Before the child returns, the manager will meet with the child and their parents or carers to discuss any expectations or conditions relating to their return.
Permanent Exclusion
Permanent exclusion will only be considered in exceptional circumstances and only when every reasonable effort has been made to support the child and all other behaviour management strategies have been unsuccessful.
If a child is permanently excluded from Little Crumpets, parents or carers will receive both a verbal and written explanation outlining the reasons for the decision and any actions that have been taken.
Parents or carers have the right to appeal the decision to the manager or proprietor within fourteen days of receiving written notification of the exclusion.
Little Crumpets is committed to ensuring that any suspension or exclusion is fair, proportionate and appropriate, taking into account the child's age, stage of development, individual needs and any other relevant circumstances.
This will be reviewed annually and was written in accordance with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2025): Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements: Supporting and understanding children's behaviour (3.73-3.75).