The Biology of the Scream You know the sound. It is not the whining cry of a child who wants a sweet. It is a guttural, terrifying scream that seems to come from their toes. When this happens in the middle of a supermarket, the world judges you. They see a naughty child and a … Read more
The Fear of the “Spoiled” Child There is a question that parents whisper in support groups or late at night on forums. It usually comes after they have been told to stop using time-outs, sticker charts, and strict punishments. They ask: “If I stop punishing my child, how do I stop them from becoming spoilt? … Read more
Picture the scene: A chair goes over. A student is screaming. Another student is cowering. Your heart rate spikes. Adrenaline floods your system. It is a natural, human instinct to meet chaos with volume. You want to take control. You want to ensure safety. So, your voice raises, and you issue a command: “STOP IT … Read more
The “SOS” Staff Guide: Safety, Observation, Support This isn’t about control. It is about keeping everyone safe until the storm passes. Behaviour is just communication with the volume turned up. Our job is to listen, not to win. When things get hot, we keep our cool. We are the calm in their chaos here is … Read more
EHCP Target Bank Aligned to the SUCCESS Framework This target bank offers examples of EHCP outcomes and short-term targets aligned to the SUCCESS principles for behaviour support. SENCOs can use this to shape provision that is specific, sustainable, and focused on building meaningful skills. Creating effective Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) is crucial for … Read more
A Practical Guide for Teachers and Parents on Managing Sensory Overload This guide is for teachers who want real answers. We don’t need more acronyms. We don’t need more complex charts that sit in a binder and gather dust. We need a practical way to understand regulation in the classroom. This is especially true for … Read more
Classrooms are filled with students who bring unique personalities, experiences, and ways of interacting with the world. While this diversity enriches learning, it can also present challenges for teachers who encounter behaviors they don’t immediately understand. For teachers, these moments can feel confusing or concerning. But behind every behavior is a reason. Teachers must learn … Read more
The Dad Dilemma: Are You Fierce… Or Firm? Let’s cut through the noise for a moment, dads. You’re juggling work, family, finances, and probably a never-ending list of home repairs. You want to be a great dad – a present dad, a patient dad, a dad who raises kids who are happy, capable, and genuinely … Read more
When Nothing Seems to Work: A Preview of What’s Possible This article offers a glimpse into Chapter 19 of “Behaviours of Concern, Not Children of Concern: A Real-World Handbook for Inclusive Classrooms” – a guide on how educators support their most vulnerable pupils. You’ve tried everything. Visual supports, sensory circuits, behaviour charts, consequence hierarchies. You’ve … Read more
Challenging Behaviour in SEND: Impulse Control, Demand Avoidance and Shame Over the past decade, awareness of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in schools has improved. Yet, despite progress in identification and support planning, there remains a significant blind spot: how certain SEND needs interact with—and often intensify—each other. When impulse control difficulties, demand avoidance, … Read more
Using the Functional Analysis Screening Tool (FAST) Tool for Quick Behavioral Screening: A Guide for Teachers and Parents Understanding and addressing behavioral challenges is more crucial than ever given the high rate of exclusions facing Neurodiverse children. The Functional Analysis Screening Tool (FAST) is a practical, evidence-based instrument that empowers teachers and parents to quickly … Read more
Functional Assessment Tools Understanding behaviour through a neurodiversity-affirming lens means recognising that all behaviours serve a purpose and are a form of communication, intentional or otherwise. Rather than viewing certain behaviours as “problematic” or something to be “fixed,” this tool helps identify the underlying needs driving an individual’s actions. The functions of behaviour framework can … Read more
Optimising Engagement and Minimising Downtime in the Classroom to Reduce Challenging Behaviour “The most challenging pupils often become our greatest teachers.” After two decades in education, spanning Reception through to Year 11, this truth remains constant. Whether you’re dealing with a Year 2 pupil refusing to transition between activities or a Year 10 student displaying … Read more
Understanding and Addressing Behavioral Triggers in the Classroom Teachers have the power to make a significant impact on a child’s wellbeing and behaviour by creating a positive and productive learning environment for our students. Although challenging behaviours may pose a disruption, by recognising common triggers and employing proactive evidence-based strategies, we can reduce the frequency … Read more
Understanding Argumentative Behaviour: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach Argumentative behavior in schools is often less about opposition and more a reflection of unmet needs. Recognizing that such behaviors can stem from diverse cognitive processing styles, this guide provides evidence-based strategies designed to address these challenges empathetically. With a focus on neurodiversity-affirming practices, educators can support students in … Read more
Behaviour of Concern: Understanding & Managing Hair Pulling Behaviour Hair pulling presents unique challenges in educational settings and requires specific understanding and support strategies. While some children may engage in hair pulling towards others as a form of communication or distress response, others may display self-directed hair pulling (trichotillomania), which requires a distinct therapeutic approach. … Read more
The Positive Behaviour Support Model Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) represents a significant shift from traditional behaviour management approaches. Rather than focusing on controlling behaviours or eliminating behaviours, PBS emphasises understanding, prevention, and skill development. The PBS model, although controversial, integrates multiple theoretical perspectives while maintaining a strong ethical foundation rooted in human rights and dignity. … Read more
Understanding and Supporting Behaviours of Concern Whatever your own beliefs and values around child development. When supporting children in schools, it’s crucial to recognise that all behaviour is a form of communication. Zero tolerance policies and refusals to make reasonable adjustments lead to many children missing out on education. What we traditionally label as ‘challenging’ … Read more
Challenging Behavior and Setting Events Creating an optimal learning environment is a challenge that lies at the heart of effective teaching, especially for SEN pupils. It requires staff to possess a deep and nuanced understanding of the factors that influence student behaviour, engagement, and academic performance. Among these factors, setting events play a crucial yet … Read more
Understanding Setting Events and Challenging Behavior Challenging behaviors rarely occur in isolation. They are often influenced by a complex interplay of factors that extend beyond the immediate triggers. These factors can be subtle and often operate in the background, but they can have a powerful impact on an individual’s emotional and behavioral state. Recognizing that … Read more
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