Solihull Approach

At Clapton Park we recognise the importance of self-expression and overall wellbeing for staff and children. Our children are encouraged to express themselves, explore their feelings and to be accepting of others. Our wellbeing policy is linked to our commitment to british values and understanding that everybody is unique in their own way and that we value diversity. 

In our nursery we use the Solihull approach which supports children with emotional and behavioural difficulties. There are three steps to this approach that our practitioners use:

• Containment- to understand the emotional communication from the child eg, upset, anger, anxiety

• Reciprocity- to interact with the child, be sensitive to their feelings and respond to the child’s needs

• Behaviour Management-to teach the child self-control and to input reasonable boundaries enabling the child to internalise the restraints and satisfaction for themselves.

Instead of labelling a child’s behaviour and using a traffic light chart as a tool to manage the behaviour, we use the solihull approach to understand the reasons for the child’s behaviour by talking to them at their eye level, asking them questions or giving them a moment to calm down before approaching them. Following this we then ask the child how they can improve or change their behaviour which promotes self-regulation. Practitioners are trained to support the children when they are unable to come to their own conclusion and express themselves in a safe or appropriate way. For example, removing the child from the situation so that they have time to process their feelings and talk to a practitioner.

The Solihull approach is also shared with the parents so that there is consistency between the home and our nursery. The Solihull approach increases a child’s emotional health and wellbeing.