Identify pupils' underlying needs
When a pupil displays challenging behaviour, it's often a result of an unmet underlying need (or needs), such as:
- Special educational needs (SEN) – even if the pupil is not on your SEN register
- Mental health needs
- Issues at home (e.g. bereavement, abuse, neglect, criminal exploitation)
- Issues within their social group (e.g. being bullied)
You and your staff should take these needs into account when responding to a behaviour incident. This is set out on page 16 of the DfE’s behaviour in schools guidance.
As you'll know, it's much easier to tackle challenging behaviour once you know what need(s) the pupil is communicating via the behaviour. You can then adapt your approach or environment to meet those needs. Read more about how to do this later on in this article.
Start by encouraging the relevant member of staff, whether that's the
