Helping behaviour support assistants to support pupils

What?
‘Supporting children with challenging behaviour’ is a training programme for behaviour support assistants to help them to develop their skills and strategies to promote positive behaviour. The programme covers,

• Communicating with pupils
• Active listening and communication skills
• Dealing with conflict, anger and aggression
• Framework for intervention and planning for change

Why?
The approach of the training is to consider how, by adapting their own behaviour in interactions with pupils, support staff can increase the chances of a positive response. It challenges us to consider the emotional life of pupils, and why some children find it difficult to interact positively with others. By increasing the emotional intelligence and ‘soft skills’ of staff, it argues, adults can model positive behaviour for children and help them to manage their feelings and make progress.

The training toolkit reflects increased use in Scottish schools of additional support staff.

How?
The toolkit comprises presentations, video clips, tutor notes and exercises (e.g. quizzes, worksheets and handouts). Each session is structured, with additional materials provided.

Vital statistics
• Four three-hour training sessions

The Who’s Who of Effective Practice for Inclusion
East Renfrewshire Education Department have produced the toolkit, based on practical experience within the authority area. The Scottish Executive is currently working to make it available more widely as a paper-based resource with accompanying CD.

How do I find out more?
Contact Ian Fraser, Head of East Renfrewshire Education Services, ian.fraser@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk

To check on the Scottish Executive’s progress in producing the paper-based toolkit, contact Laura Joyce, laura.joyce@scotland.gsi.gov.uk