3.2 Describe procedures for reporting and recording behaviour changes and concerns

This guide will help you answer 3.2 Describe procedures for reporting and recording behaviour changes and concerns.

As an Early Years Practitioner, it’s essential to understand the significance of accurately reporting and recording behaviour changes and concerns. Doing so ensures you safeguard children and provide appropriate support. Here’s how you can systematically handle these tasks.

Accurate reporting and recording of behaviour changes and concerns serve several purposes:

• Safeguarding: Ensures the safety and well-being of children.
• Intervention: Helps to provide necessary interventions at the right time.
• Communication: Facilitates communication among staff, parents, and professionals.
• Legal Compliance: Meets statutory obligations set by regulatory bodies.

Observing and Identifying Behaviour Changes

Before you can report or record behaviour changes, you need to observe and identify them. Here are some steps to help you:

• Regular Observation: Spend quality time observing each child in different settings – during play, mealtime, and structured activities.
• Learning Journals: Maintain learning journals for each child to document their progress and any sudden changes.
• Understanding Baseline Behaviour: Be familiar with each child’s usual behaviour to spot deviations.

Types of Behavioural Changes to Look For

Keep an eye out for:

• Withdrawal: Reduced interaction with peers and adults.
• Aggression: Increased incidents of hitting, biting, or pushing.
• Regressive Behaviours: Reverting to younger behavioural patterns such as thumb-sucking or bedwetting.
• Mood Swings: Sudden changes in mood, including frequent crying or irritability.
• Changes in Eating or Sleeping Patterns: Noticeable shifts in how a child eats or sleeps.

Initial Steps to Take

When you first notice a behavioural change or concern:

• Document Immediately: Make a note in the child’s personal record or your designated observation book.
• Stay Unbiased: Record observations objectively without adding personal opinions.
• Use Descriptive Language: Be specific about what you see and hear. For instance, instead of writing “seemed upset,” write “cried for 10 minutes after being dropped off.”

Reporting Procedures

Internal Reporting

• Chain of Command: Follow the nursery or school’s established chain of command. Typically, this starts with reporting to your immediate supervisor.
• Immediate Concerns: If the behaviour change is severe or your concern is urgent, inform the safeguarding lead or manager immediately.
• Documentation: Fill out any required internal forms with all relevant details, including the date, time, and a description of the behaviour.

Parental Reporting

• Regular Updates: Keep parents informed through regular updates or scheduled meetings.
• Sensitive Issues: For sensitive concerns (e.g., potential bullying or signs of abuse), arrange a private meeting with parents.
• Written Communication: Provide written summaries if needed, ensuring you have a record of what was communicated.

Recording Procedures

Structured Records

• Daily Logs: Use daily logs to note minor changes in behaviour. These logs can provide an overview if patterns emerge.
• Incident Reports: For significant behavioural changes or concerns, complete incident reports. Include detailed observations and any actions taken.
• Confidentiality: Ensure records are kept confidential and stored securely, in line with data protection guidelines like GDPR.

Digital Tools

• Software Systems: Many settings use digital tools to maintain records. Familiarise yourself with the software used at your workplace.
• Consistency: Ensure entries are consistent across different platforms—whether it’s a physical logbook or a digital system.

Involving Other Professionals

Sometimes, concerns escalate to a level where additional professional insight is needed. Here’s how to proceed:

• Referral: Make a referral to healthcare professionals, such as child psychologists or paediatricians, if needed.
• Multi-Agency Collaboration: Work with other agencies, like social services, especially in cases involving suspected abuse.
• Documentation: Keep a record of all communications with external agencies, including emails and meeting notes.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Statutory Framework and Policies

• EYFS Compliance: Ensure your procedures are compliant with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework.
• Local Guidelines: Adhere to your setting’s specific policies and procedures regarding safeguarding and child welfare.

Ethical Concerns

• Sensitivity: Handle all concerns with sensitivity and empathy. Remember, behind every behaviour change is a child who needs support.
• Confidentiality: Respect the child and their family’s right to privacy. Share information on a need-to-know basis only.

Reviewing and Reflecting

Evaluation Meetings

• Regular Reviews: Hold regular team meetings to review and reflect on recorded observations and incidents.
• Parental Input: Invite parental input during reviews to get a holistic understanding of the child’s behaviour.

Continuous Improvement

• Training: Attend ongoing training to stay updated on best practices for observing, reporting, and recording behaviour changes.
• Feedback: Use feedback from colleagues and parents to improve your reporting and recording processes.

Key Takeaways

• Detail-Oriented: Always be meticulous and specific in your documentation.
• Timeliness: Report and record observations as soon as possible to ensure all details are fresh.
• Collaboration: Work closely with parents, colleagues, and other professionals to support the child effectively.
• Ethics and Confidentiality: Always operate within ethical guidelines, maintaining the child’s and family’s confidentiality.

By adhering to these procedures, you play an essential role in ensuring the well-being and development of the children in your care. Remember, careful observation, accurate reporting, and systematic recording are foundational skills for any successful Early Years Practitioner.