Understanding Behaviour
Week 1 – Behaviour as Communication
Behaviour can communicate needs, emotions or difficulties that pupils may not yet have the skills or language to express. Looking beyond what we see helps adults understand what might be driving a pupil’s response while still maintaining clear boundaries and expectations. In this session, we’ll explore how to interpret behaviour with curiosity and use this understanding to respond calmly, consistently and effectively.
Week 2 – Understanding Unmet Needs
Behaviour can sometimes be a sign that an underlying emotional, social, sensory or learning need is not being met. Recognising these needs does not mean excusing behaviour; it enables adults to respond more effectively while maintaining clear and consistent expectations. In this session, we’ll explore how unmet needs can influence behaviour and consider practical ways to identify barriers, provide appropriate support and help pupils feel safe, understood and ready to learn.
Week 3 – Trauma Informed Practice
Past and ongoing experiences can influence how pupils respond to relationships, expectations, challenge and perceived threat within school. Trauma-informed practice encourages adults to consider what may sit behind a pupil’s behaviour while providing the safety, predictability and consistent boundaries all pupils need. In this session, we’ll explore the principles of trauma-informed practice and consider practical ways to respond with curiosity, compassion and high expectations without making assumptions about a pupil’s experiences.
Week 4 – Attachment and Relationships
Secure, trusting relationships can play an important role in helping pupils feel safe, regulate emotions and engage positively with school. Some pupils may find it more difficult to trust adults, manage separation or respond to relationships in predictable ways. In this session, we’ll explore how attachment and relational experiences can influence behaviour and consider practical ways adults can build connection, provide consistency and create a secure foundation for learning.
Week 5 – Co-regulation Before Self-Regulation
Pupils do not always have the skills to manage strong emotions independently, particularly when they are overwhelmed, frustrated or distressed. Calm, responsive adults can provide the reassurance, modelling and support pupils need before they are able to regulate for themselves. In this session, we’ll explore the role of co-regulation and consider practical ways adults can respond calmly, reduce escalation and gradually help pupils develop their own self-regulation strategies.
Week 6 – Reflecting on What Behaviour Tells Us
Behaviour provides valuable information about how a pupil may be experiencing their environment, relationships and learning. Taking time to reflect helps adults move beyond immediate reactions and consider patterns, triggers, unmet needs and the support that may make a difference. In this final session, we’ll bring together learning from across the series and consider how greater curiosity about behaviour can help us respond more consistently, compassionately and effectively.