Working with Children at Project Rewild

At Project Rewild CIC we welcome children of different ages, needs, backgrounds, and educational experiences. We understand that when a diverse group of children come together, disagreements, conflict, and arguments are not only expected but entirely natural. We see these moments as valuable learning opportunities, chances for children to practise communication, empathy, and problem-solving while navigating relationships with a wide range of peers. In the safety of the natural environment, supported by experienced staff, children are encouraged to work through challenges constructively. This process helps them to build resilience, develop social skills, and gain the confidence to engage positively with others.

Behaviour Policy

Our Approach

At Project Rewild CIC we believe that every child deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued. Our behaviour policy is rooted in:

• Respect for self, others, and the natural world

• Encouraging responsibility and self-awareness

• Restorative practice and conflict resolution

• Inclusion and positive reinforcement

• Time and Growth: recognising that building trust, changing habitual behaviours, and creating a settled group culture takes time. We give children space and patience to grow at their own pace, knowing from experience that this model works best when it is not rushed.

We understand that behaviour is a form of communication, and we aim to support children in understanding their feelings and choices, and in developing the tools to manage these constructively.

Behaviour Management

We encourage positive behaviour through:

• Peer mentoring and group support: encouraging children to learn from and with each other.

• Conflict resolution: teaching children to communicate openly, listen, and work together to solve challenges.

• Emotional regulation in nature: using the natural environment as a calming and reflective space.

• Clear expectations: staff model respectful behaviour at all times.

Our qualified staff are always present, monitoring and guiding behaviour to ensure children’s safety and well-being. We use open discussions with the group to explore what they feel is and is not appropriate, ensuring that their voices are heard and respected. This helps maintain a supportive and inclusive environment where all children can thrive.

Group Agreements

For regular groups (such as Rewild Woodland School, school sessions, or afterschool programmes), we co-create a Group Agreement at the start.

• Children are asked what they need to feel safe, and what behaviours they do not want to see in the group.

• Children may contribute ideas anonymously (e.g. writing them on slips of paper placed in a hat).

• Staff and children work together to create the agreement, which is shared, displayed, and regularly revisited.

• Agreements can be edited over time as the group develops.

This collaborative process ensures children have ownership of the rules, making them more meaningful and effective.

Positive Behaviour Strategies

• Recognition and praise for kindness, cooperation, creativity, and resilience.

• Restorative conversations when conflict arises, focusing on repairing relationships rather than punishment.

• Reflection time: Alone time and space in nature can be taken if needed as a means of self-regulation.

• Positive relationships: Tasks and activities are designed to help children build positive bonds and relationships with group members they might not ordinarily connect with.

Consequences for Unsafe Behaviour

While we do everything possible to empower children to manage their own behaviour, there are occasions where persistent or serious behaviour issues need firmer intervention.

We will not accept:

• Physical harm to another participant, staff member, or volunteer

• Verbal abuse to another participant, staff member, or volunteer

• Ongoing bullying, harassment, or intimidation

• Serious or deliberate harm to the natural environment

Possible consequences include:

1. Reinforcing: reminding of agreements of behavior and conduct made.

2. Reflection: Time away from the group with adult support.

3. Restorative discussion: talking through what happened, the impact of the behaviour, and what can be done to repair it.

4. Contacting parents/carers: if behaviour continues or is of concern.

5. Sent home from sessions:  parents will be contacted to pick up their children in cases of repeated or serious unsafe behaviour.

6. Permanent exclusion:  only if a child’s behaviour continues to pose a serious risk to others, themselves, or the natural environment, and all other strategies have been exhausted.

Partnership with Parents/Carers

We believe behaviour is best supported when children feel secure across home and Project Rewild settings. We will:

• Communicate openly with parents/carers if significant concerns arise.

• Work together to understand underlying needs.

• Share positive achievements as well as challenges.

Time and Growth

At Project Rewild, we recognise that our model of working with nature takes time. Building positive, trusting relationships and supporting children to change habitual behaviours does not happen overnight. We are committed to giving every child the opportunity to grow and flourish in our sessions, knowing that this journey is gradual and unique for each individual.

We also understand that groups of children need time to settle, establish trust, and become a supportive community. It is natural that challenges may arise in the early stages, but with patience and consistency we see children and groups grow into their full potential.

Over many years of experience, we have seen that our nature-based model works. With time, children develop confidence, resilience, and positive connections, to each other, to adults, and to the natural world.

Safeguarding Link

This behaviour policy sits alongside our Safeguarding Policy. Any behaviour that raises safeguarding concerns will be addressed following safeguarding procedures.