Writing a Pupil's Behavioural Risk Assessment

Here is a clear, professional outline you can use as the starting point of a Design & Technology (D&T) Risk Assessment for a pupil with behavioural challenges. 

Please Note: Check with SLT regarding school policy in these situations and follow their guidance.

Risk Assessment Outline: Pupil with Behavioural Challenges in Design & Technology

SECTION ONE

1. Pupil Information

Name, year group, form/tutor group. 

Relevant SEND or pastoral notes (e.g., SEMH, ADHD, known triggers).  

Summary of behavioural concerns observed in D&T.  

2. Context of Activity

Type of D&T area (e.g. workshop, graphics room, food room, textiles).  

Typical tools, machinery and materials used.  

Class size and staffing ratio.  

Lesson routines and expected behaviours

3. Identified Behavioural Risks

Impulsivity or poor self-regulation.  

Difficulty following instructions or safety rules.  

Distraction or distractibility around machinery.  

Potential for conflict with peers. 

Risk taking behaviour or misuse of tools.  

Emotional dysregulation (e.g. frustration, anger). 

5. Control Measures (Preventative)

Environmental Controls

Seat the pupil near teacher or exit. 

Remove unnecessary tools from immediate area.  

Provide clear visual boundaries and routines.  

Instructional Controls

Step-by-step instructions with visual prompts.  

Pre-teaching of safety expectations.  

Short, clear, positively phrased directions.  

Behavioural Controls

Agreed behaviour plan or contract.  

Use of safe space or time out protocol.  

Pre-agreed signals for redirection.  

Reward-based reinforcement for safe behaviour.  

Supervision Controls

Increased proximity supervision.  

Additional adult support if available.  

Restricted access to certain tools or machinery.  

6. Control Measures (Responsive)

Immediate removal from machinery if unsafe.  

Calm-down routine or supervised break.  

Restorative conversation after incidents.  

Communication with pastoral/SEND team.  

7. Emergency Procedures

First aid arrangements.  

Evacuation considerations if pupil becomes unable to manage or control their emotions, behaviour, or reactions.  

Reporting procedures for incidents  

8. Review and Monitoring

Frequency of review (e.g., every half term).  

Staff responsible for monitoring.  

Notes on progress, triggers and successful strategies.  

9. Sign-Off

Teacher signature.  

Head of Department signature.  

SENCO/pastoral lead signature.  

Date of assessment and review date.  

SECTION 2 — TECHNICIAN / COVER TEACHER QUICK‑REFERENCE SHEET

(One page, practical, easy to pin up or attach to a class folder)

D&T Quick Risk Summary – Pupil: ____________________

Key Risks

· Impulsivity / distractibility

· Needs close supervision near tools

· May become dysregulated (difficulty managing emotions/behaviour)

Do:

· Keep tools limited and controlled

· Give short, clear instructions

· Maintain proximity supervision

· Use agreed signal for redirection

· Allow calm‑down break if needed

Do Not:

· Leave pupil unsupervised

· Allow access to machinery without teacher approval

· Give multiple tools at once

If Unsafe Behaviour Occurs

1. Remove pupil from machinery

2. Provide calm, low‑stimulus space

3. Inform class teacher / pastoral team

4. Log incident

SECTION 3 — PUPIL FRIENDLY SAFETY PLAN

(Positive, simple, supportive — ideal for behaviour contracts or restorative meetings)

Your Safety Plan for D&T

This plan helps you stay safe and successful in the workshop.

What You Need to Do

Follow instructions one step at a time

Use tools safely and only when asked

Stay in your workspace unless you ask to move

Let your teacher know if you feel stressed or overwhelmed

What Your Teacher Will Do

Give you clear instructions

Help you stay calm and focused

Give you a safe space if you need a break

Support you to use tools safely

If Things Get Difficult

You may be asked to take a short break

You might work with fewer tools

You will have a chance to talk things through afterwards

We are Working Together To:

Keep you safe

Help you enjoy D&T

Build your confidence with tools and equipment

Pupil Signature: ____________________ Teacher Signature: ____________________

World Association of Technology Teachers Jan. 2026