The behavioural debate: behaviour management vs behaviour for learning 

In recent years pupil’s behaviour in schools has been getting progressively worse with nearly one in five teachers being hit by a pupil in 2024 and in 2023 76% of teachers reported that misbehaviour stopped or interrupted teaching in at least some lessons.  

It’s clear that there is a need to find the right approach for resolving the behaviour crisis in UK schools. In this article we will discuss two approaches for tackling the behaviour crisis in the classroom and offer some alternative solutions. 

Behaviour Management Techniques  

Behaviour Management involves setting clear expectations to the pupil, modelling desired behaviour, using positive reinforcement and creating a positive and supportive environment. This can be accomplished by implementing a reward system, using visual aids, using positive language, and addressing negative behaviour promptly. 

While this is a good technique to follow for addressing current behavioural issues, they do tend to focus on surface-level behaviour and often don’t address the underlying cause of disruption or ways to create long term behavioural solutions.  

Behaviour For Learning Strategies 

Behaviour For Learning Strategies focus on the development of behaviour, skills, and habits to support the pupil’s learning. They focus on techniques for self-regulation, learning and engagement, motivation, and confidence. If applied correctly, they can be an effective way to tackle disruptive behaviour long-term and help the pupil learn and grow. However, they require time and individualised attention from the educators that may not be available in every classroom. 

Finding the underlying cause for disruptive behaviour 

Disruptive behaviour in the classroom can often be caused by an underline issue for the student. It can be that their home environment isn’t safe which causes them to act out, or that they have learning difficulties making it difficult for them to learn and concentrate, causing them to get frustrated and disrupt learning. It is vital for schools to be fully equipped to supporting students and work to get to the real cause of their behaviour. 

The SEND Crisis 

A pressing issue within schools today is the Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) crisis. The numbers of pupils requiring SEND support has been rising rapidly with over 1 million pupils in the England reported having Special Education Needs (SEN). Through this rapid rise, lack of resource and SEND trained staff and lack of budget causing a hiring crisis for support staff, schools are not equipped to provide the needed support for students with SEN. 

One way schools can help to tackle this crisis is by using funded training programmes or apprenticeships to gain SEND qualified staff members into their schools. Apprenticeships can be used for hiring new staff members or upskilling existing team members and are funded by the Apprenticeship Levy making them a cost-effective way to access training.  

LMP Education offers a SEND pathway with several programmes that help get educators up to speed with the right qualifications, knowledge, and skills to support SEND pupils. By having designated Teaching Assistants who are SEND qualified you can have a deep understanding of the pupil’s needs and how to resolve them and put a stop to disruptive behaviour. Learn more about LMP Education’s SEND support. 

Safeguarding pupils 

The role of safeguarding personnel within schools is to safeguarding pupils within the school environment, but also to be aware of any warning signs that can point to a bigger issue that is impacting the pupil inside the school or after school hours. Disruptive behaviour can often by a sign of such concerns.  

LMP Education offers a Safeguarding Support Officer apprenticeship programme aimed at professionals within safeguarding who are looking to develop their skills further and get the right qualifications. Learn more about the safeguarding programme. 

The Exclusion Crisis 

A side effect of the behaviour crisis within schools is the exclusion crisis. Schools are facing increasing rates of both suspensions and permanent exclusions. Being excluded can have a permanent impact on a pupil’s life and future prospects. Additionally, excluding a pupil could cost schools thousands of pounds that could be saved through early intervention. 

Alternative Provision 

Alternative Provision is programmes arranged by a Local Authority or school for pupils who cannot attend mainstream school. LMP Action’s Alternative Provision encompasses inclusion, restoration and self-awareness practices. Harnessing personal responsibility and growth to support and develop young people. LMP Action is experienced in delivering support to young people to help them reintegrate into mainstream education by using restorative practice, specialist programmes, vocational qualifications and core subject learning where attending mainstream education is not suitable. 

Learn more about Alternative Provision. 

If you are interested in placing one of your pupils in Alternative Provision, please contact the LMP Action Team.