Behavioural Difficulties
Disruptive Behaviour
Prevent disruption through engagement and clear routines, and respond calmly and consistently to keep learning on track.
Prevention (whole-class)
- Establish and rehearse clear routines for entering, transitions and packing away.
- Keep pupils engaged with well-paced, appropriately challenging tasks.
- Use clear signals for attention and give positive narration of what you want to see.
- Have work ready to reduce downtime, which is when disruption often starts.
Responding in the moment
- Use the least intrusive response first: a look, proximity, or a name-drop.
- Redirect to the task calmly rather than commenting on the behaviour.
- Give a clear, private reminder of the expectation and a take-up pause.
- Follow the agreed stepped consequences calmly and consistently.
Building positive behaviour
- Praise pupils near the one who is off-task who are doing the right thing.
- Use positive reinforcement and recognition more than sanctions.
- Seat pupils thoughtfully and vary groupings to reduce triggers.
- Talk privately later to understand and problem-solve the cause.
Do
- Respond calmly and use the least intrusive strategy first.
- Emphasise routines and engagement to prevent issues.
- Reinforce positive behaviour publicly.
Avoid
- Don't escalate with public confrontation.
- Don't rely on sanctions alone.
- Don't ignore the underlying cause.