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New Direction Behaviour Guide
How we act, how we behave when the students’ behaviour needs addressing is crucial. There are some key elements that are essential going forward.
First of all, we believe that all behaviour is communication and we need to interpret this in order to help the young person. If the behaviour is not appropriate, it is because they do not know how else to communicate; we need to teach them.
The Behaviour approach is based on the work of Paul Dix, who’s approach is a ‘restorative’ rather than ‘judicial’ approach. We do not use words like ‘rules’ or ‘punishments’, replacing them instead with ‘expectations’, ‘standards’, code of conduct’ and ‘consequences’. There are key points to remember:
1.Consistency
Everyone needs to be on the same page, all the time, for behaviour to be supported and changed. There is a new document, the Individual Behaviour Plan (IBP), which outlines the behaviour triggers for every student and most importantly, any key staff actions – it is essential that these are known by everyone & followed. We, as the adults, also need to remain calm and not get drawn in – by providing the clam, firm, but fair attitude, we provide the ’safety net’ that the students need. Remember, it is not directed at you, whatever they do.
2.First attention to best conduct
We need to ignore the bad and put the praise on the good when we see it. By engaging with a student when they are in an escalated state, we are feeding the behaviour. All (young) people crave attention & if we heap attention on negative behaviour, we reinforce the action. We need, also, to remember to show the ones who are always good that this is recognised.
3.Relentless Routines
Make sure that the students know what is expected of them. All the time. Practice these routines and ensure they are always consistent. The behaviour document goes into a lot of detail about how things need to be done; please do ensure this document is read carefully.
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