4. Universal Approaches (for all pupils)
4e. Building staff confidence
Staff confidence is a vital foundation for effective behaviour approaches. When education staff feel prepared and supported, they can respond with greater consistency and use their professional judgement in ways that strengthen relationships with pupils. Confidence develops not only through individual knowledge and skills but also from being part of a shared, whole-school approach that everyone understands.
It’s important that all staff receive training on behaviour alongside mental health awareness training, so that everyone shares a common language and understanding. Alongside this, some staff will need more specialist training linked to their role, for example, designated safeguarding leads, pastoral staff or Senior Mental Health Leads (SMHLs). This helps to make sure there are people in school with the expertise to guide whole-school approaches, advise colleagues and link with external services when needed.
Ongoing professional development plays an important part in building staff confidence. Setting aside time in the school year for learning and reflection helps staff feel better prepared for challenges as they arise. CPD might focus on behaviour strategies or on broader themes such as emotional wellbeing. What matters most is that opportunities are regular and revisited, so staff can build on their experience and apply approaches in a consistent way.
Useful links:
- Anna Freud: Mental Health Training For Schools and Colleges Practical courses to help staff build knowledge and confidence in supporting behaviour, wellbeing and whole-school mental health.
- Mental Health First Aid Training that helps staff notice early signs of mental health difficulties and support pupils or colleagues in need.
- nasen: Introduction to SEMH needs Webcast for teachers and support staff on understanding SEMH, recognising needs and using simple strategies to support pupil
- Evelina London: Speech and language therapy training Training for professionals, parents and carers on topics including autism, developmental language disorder and social, emotional and mental health.
- GL Assessment: Emotional Literacy A paid-for assessment tool to help schools understand and support pupils’ emotional literacy and wellbeing.