Pupils with challenging behaviour: risk assessments and guidance

Complete a risk assessment as early as possible to get support for the child and keep other pupils and staff safe. Download our template and use our prompts to help complete it.

Last reviewed on 23 January 2023
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 1879
Contents
  1. Download our risk assessment template
  2. Guidance on carrying out risk assessments
  3. Use a specialist risk assessment for pupils who may self-harm

Download our risk assessment template

It covers the following types of challenging behaviour:

  • Verbal aggression
  • Physical aggression
  • Destructiveness

Our template includes prompts for identifying, assessing and managing the risks to help you fill it out. 

Guidance on carrying out risk assessments

A risk assessment might be necessary if:

  • A pupil's behaviour poses a risk of injury or harm to themselves or members of the school community
  • A pupil displays challenging behaviour on a continuous basis
  • Use of your existing behaviour policy has had little effect

Carry out the risk assessment as early as possible, as this will make it easier to access the help the pupil needs.

Guiding principles for conducting a risk assessment:

School trips - you