4.4 Positive Behaviour Support: Adapting Early Years Routines

Positive behaviour support in an early years setting is proactive rather than simply reactive. This lesson explores how warm relationships, active listening and validation help children feel safe, understood and ready to engage. It explains how practitioners can explicitly teach social-emotional skills, including recognising feelings, expressing emotions, showing empathy and solving problems. You will learn to set realistic expectations that reflect each child’s developmental stage and individual capability, breaking complex tasks into manageable steps where needed. The lesson also considers how bounded choices can promote independence while maintaining appropriate structure. When challenging behaviour occurs, calm and consistent responses, redirection, time-in and adult modelling of emotional regulation can help children manage their feelings. Practical examples include using songs and countdowns for transitions, modelling turn-taking, supporting children through conflict and offering calming choices. Finally, the lesson highlights the importance of observing triggers, adapting routines, and working consistently with colleagues and families. Read the related CMS Vocational Training guide: https://cmsvoc.co.uk/blog/what-is-dev... Chapters 00:00 Building relationships and a nurturing environment 01:13 Teaching social-emotional skills 02:02 Setting realistic expectations 03:02 Offering choices within boundaries 03:47 Responding calmly to challenging behaviour 04:17 Applying positive strategies in daily routines 05:00 Observing triggers and adapting practice 05:22 Bringing positive behaviour support together