For families, SENCOs and schools
Behaviour support at school
When a child is struggling at school, or home and school see very different pictures, a shared understanding and a plan that staff can realistically use can make a real difference.
Why school is different
Behaviour at school needs a school-shaped plan
School behaviour support helps a child who is struggling in class, at transitions or getting into school. A Behaviour Analyst looks at what makes school hard for that child, then helps staff and parents agree practical changes, skills to teach and a consistent response, and reviews whether they are working.
A child may hold it together all day and fall apart at home, or be calm at home and very distressed at school. Both patterns are real and both tell us something. The noise, demands, unstructured times and social expectations of school are very different from home.
Pooja works with parents, SENCOs, teachers and teaching assistants to help everyone understand the child in the same way.
What the work can include
- Classroom and playground observation
- Functional assessment across home and school
- A behaviour support plan written with staff
- Guidance and coaching for teachers and TAs
- Review of an existing plan or ABA programme in school
- Meetings with parents and the SENCO
- Evidence for EHCP needs assessments and reviews
Any school visit is agreed in advance with the school and the family.
A plan staff can use
Specific enough to follow on a busy day
Recommendations should be clear enough for any adult in the room to understand and use consistently.
What to notice
Early signs that a child is becoming distressed, and the situations to plan for.
What to change
Adjustments to demands, seating, transitions, timetable and communication.
What to teach
Asking for help or a break, waiting, joining in, and managing change.
How to respond
A calm, safe and consistent response when things become difficult.
How to review
Simple records on participation, wellbeing and safety, reviewed with the school and family.
For SENCOs and schools
Working alongside your team
Pooja respects each setting’s responsibilities and existing approaches. Where a wider team is involved, such as an educational psychologist, speech and language therapist or occupational therapist, behavioural input sits alongside their expertise rather than replacing it. The school remains responsible for its own policies, staffing and day-to-day decisions; Pooja’s role is to assess, advise and support staff to use the plan.
Schools can commission work directly, or it can be arranged by the family. Information for professionals making a referral.
Choosing a school
Looking for an ABA school?
If you are considering a specialist setting, the directory of ABA schools in London and the South East lists 15 schools with Ofsted ratings, ages and funding, plus questions to ask on a visit. The EHCP guide explains how to get a school named in your child’s plan.
Next step
Not sure where to start? Start with a conversation.
Tell Pooja what is happening in ordinary words. You do not need to know whether you need ABA, PBS or an assessment. The first call is free, and you can decide on any next step afterwards.