4. Universal Approaches (for all pupils)
4f. Evidence-informed behaviour strategies
Effective behaviour strategies can be broadly categorised as either proactive (preventing behaviours that concern and/or challenge) or reactive (responding to behaviours that concern and/or challenge). According to the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), ‘implementing approaches strategically and consistently is likely to be more important than the choice of approach itself.’23
The EEF provides clear, evidence-informed recommendations to guide behaviour management. These strategies are best implemented as part of a coherent, whole-school approach.
EEF recommendations at a glance:
Recommendation |
What this means in practice |
|
1. Know and understand your pupils and their influences |
Understanding individual pupil contexts helps schools respond effectively. Every pupil should have a supportive relationship with an adult. |
|
2. Teach learning behaviours alongside managing misbehaviour |
Encouraging pupils to develop self-awareness and learning behaviours reduces disruptive incidents. Teachers should explicitly teach skills such as emotional regulation and reflective practice. |
|
3. Use classroom management strategies to support good behaviour |
Effective management reduces disengagement and aggression. Staff should reflect on practice, trial approaches and review progress regularly. Reward systems are valuable within broader strategies. |
|
4. Use simple approaches as part of your regular routine |
Basic, consistent routines can significantly impact behaviour. These include positive greeting at the door, specific praise, clear policies consistently applied and engaging parents positively. |
|
5. Use targeted approaches for individual pupils |
One-size-fits-all strategies rarely work universally. Staff need tailored strategies and training to support pupils with higher behavioural needs effectively. |
Useful links:
- Education Endowment Foundation Improving behaviour in schools - summary of recommendations
- Education Endowment Foundation Metacognition and self-regulated learning
- Education Endowment Foundation Special educational needs in mainstream schools
- Education Endowment Foundation Working with parents to support children’s learning
- Education Endowment Foundation Improving social and emotional learning in primary schools