EYFS Biting Policy

SCHOOL AIMS:

• To foster a learning community where every student, teacher, staff member, parent and DBIS alumni has an ongoing passion for learning.

RATIONALE:

Biting is not an unexpected behaviour among young children, but it can raise concerns for parents and staff. It can be distressing for both the child who has been bitten and the child who bites. Various factors may contribute to biting, often stemming from a child's developmental stage or communication challenges. While we uphold a positive behaviour approach in line with our school's Character & Culture policy, we acknowledge that biting can pose harm to other children and staff. Our biting policy is designed with these considerations in mind and serves to provide guidance on how to support and provide strategies when dealing with incidents within our school setting.

PURPOSES:

As a school, we acknowledge that instances of biting, though regrettable, may occur within our environment. Our primary objective is to pinpoint the root causes of such behaviour and address them effectively. In cases where resolution proves challenging, this policy is implemented to safeguard both the children and staff affected by biting incidents.

Our approach is centred on prompt and efficient intervention when addressing biting occurrences. The school employs a range of effective techniques to deter biting, including sensory activities, a diverse array of engaging resources, and a vigilant staff capable of discerning when children may benefit from additional self-regulation support.

Each biting incident receives careful and compassionate attention, with a focus on providing emotional support. We are dedicated to assisting children in managing their emotions and facilitating open dialogue to facilitate conflict resolution and enhance mutual understanding. Furthermore, we prioritise transparency and candid communication with parents and caregivers concerning any biting-related incidents.

Age of the Child and Context:

In the event of a biting incident, we acknowledge the distress it can cause, not only to the child who has been bitten but also to their parents and caregivers. Before determining any potential consequences for the biting behaviour, staff must take into account several factors:

1. The age of the child: an isolated biting incident is not uncommon in very young children.

However, as children mature, they swiftly grasp that biting is unacceptable behaviour,

leading to more significant consequences.

2. Whether the child has additional needs – biting may be sensory-driven for some children

and a means of communication. Although unsettling, they may not have intended harm.

3. The context of the biting incident – understanding the events preceding, during, and

following the incident.

Only with a comprehensive understanding of these aspects can we appropriately address and resolve the situation.

Procedures

In the event of a child or staff member being bitten, the following procedures will be followed:

1. Comfort and reassure the bitten child or staff member as a priority. Avoid excessive

attention to the child who has been bitten.

2. Clean and explain the process for visible bite marks, providing support throughout.

Children and staff bitten will receive first aid promptly.

3. For broken skin, allow bleeding to prevent infection. Contact parents immediately for skin

breaks. Staff bitten should contact their GP.

4. Wait and check for bruising after an hour for unbroken skin. Discuss findings with parents

later.

5. Complete incident reports for all witnesses. Keep records in the first aid log and on

Character & Culture.

6. Use Character & Culture to track and analyse persistent biting behaviour patterns.

Consequences of biting incidents

• If a child bites another child or staff member but the skin is not bruised or broken, the Character & Culture policy will be followed. Parents and carers will be spoken to at the end of the day to discuss the incident and to work together to support the child and prevent it from occurring again. The incident will be logged on the Character & Culture records.
• If a child bites another child or staff member and the skin is broken and bruised, they will leave the learning environment (this may include being collected from school) to ensure the safety of others and engage in a restorative conversation with HOY/SLT, the incident will be logged on the child’s Character & Culture records. Parents will be contacted to collect their child from school and will be asked to keep their child at home the following day to allow a period of reflection before returning to school. The school will provide resources to support a restorative reflection process at home in order to promote a successful return to school.
• Depending on the severity of the incident, child’s needs and context, parents and carers may be invited to a meeting with the class teacher and HOY/SLT to discuss the incident and work out a plan to support the child.

If biting continues to occur:

• If the child continues to bite, the same consequences as above will apply.
• The child will have an individual risk assessment.
• The school will engage with our Learning Enhancement Team to consider a Student Support Plan (SSP) will will identify strategies to support the child. This will be shared with all staff who work with the child.
• External agencies and therapies may become a requirement to continue within the setting.
• Parents and carers will be invited to attend regular meetings with the school in order to work together to support the child.

CONCLUSION:

By implementing this policy, our aim is to foster a collaborative relationship between teachers and parents so that we can work in partnership to manage and diminish biting behaviour effectively.

Created: 04.11.24

Last Reviewed: 28.11.24

Approved: 28.11.24