Positive Behaviour Support at Linden Lodge School

 

 

What is Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)?

At Linden Lodge, staff are trained in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) to support our children and young people. Recognising all behaviour as communication, PBS is a framework for understanding behaviours that may challenge and supporting every pupil to reach their potential and live a fulfilled life.

PBS is a person-centred approach that includes assessment, planning and implementation of intervention that focuses on addressing the pupil’s needs, their environment and therefore, improving their overall quality of life. 

PBS can identify areas in which a child or young person may require further support, for example:

• Personalised communication strategies to understand the sequence of their day
• Adapting the environment (lighting, noise etc)
• Activities that promote community engagement
• Increased opportunities for choice-making

We follow a Team Teach model, where there is a focus on the emphasis of de-escalation, self regulation and the encouragement of a positive and safe learning environment.

Assessment

PBS uses assessments to understand the function of each behaviour. A functional assessment will be completed by a trained member of staff, with input from the wider team and family. A functional assessment enables us to have a better understanding of the reason for the behaviour and therefore, to provide appropriate and personalised support to meet each young person’s needs.

A functional assessment may look at specific aspects of the behaviour, for example:

• What happens immediately before the behaviour occurs
• What happens directly after the behaviour
• When and with whom does the behaviour not occur

 

Positive Behaviour Support Plans (PBSPs)

Following a comprehensive assessment of the young person’s needs and their environment, a behaviour support plan may be developed. The plan aims to summarise the influencing factors and the support a young person requires to make positive changes within their day-to-day life.

The plan should include strategies for improving quality of life through systems change, skills acquisition and environmental redesign. The plan should also provide information to all staff working with the young person, on how to support them should behaviours occur: preventative, proactive and reactive measures to support each young person. Steps are taken to ensure the use of least restrictive practice at all times.

The plan is written in collaboration with the young person, their family and those working closely with the young person; PBS is most effective when all relevant people are involved in this process. The PBS plan aims to decrease the frequency of behaviours of concern and support the young person in learning other ways to have their needs met.

If you would like to find out more about PBS please contact the School or visit www.bild.org.uk