Behaviour Barriers and Beyond: Practical Strategies to Help All Pupils Thrive

This practical resource helps school staff to reframe behaviour as a means of communicating a need, ensuring they can sensitively and effectively support children with a range of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

With case studies and examples woven throughout, the book focuses on relational and strength-based approaches to improve mental health and wellbeing, self-esteem, sense of safety and, in turn, behaviour and educational outcomes. All advice is carefully designed to have the maximum positive impact on the child and minimum impact on teacher time and resources.

Key features include:

• Accessible explorations of a range of difficulties and their effects on school life
• A variety of supportive strategies, tips and advice, designed to be easy to implement effectively within a busy classroom
• A focus on building and maintaining positive relationships, making the classroom a safe learning environment

Small adjustments can make a huge difference to wellbeing, whether they are for those with a diagnosis, with SEND, with SEMH needs, with anxiety, or just those having a hard time.

Behaviour Barriers and Beyond will be an essential tool for teachers, SENCOs and school leaders in both mainstream and specialist settings.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Pooky Knightsmith

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Behaviour is Communication

Self-Regulation

ACES

Trauma and Attachment-Aware Approaches

Anxiety

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Autism

Bereavement, Grief and Loss

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

Tourette Syndrome (TS) and Tic Disorders

Appendices