Behaviour Support Plans

Behaviour support plans may be implemented by schools or members of the Local Authority to improve the standard of a pupils behaviour.

Behaviour support plans (or as they are sometimes called behaviour modification plans) are only introduced when absolutely necessary and when other options have been tried and are found not to work.

The plans can be introduced for any pupil, not only for those with Special Educational Needs. One difference however is that pupils who have Special Educational Needs (and pupils who are in Public Care) will already have their own additional support plans or reviews. (IEPs). A Behaviour Support Plan must sit within the existing review arrangements for the child and it should not exist on it's own as a separately operating strategy. In these cases it is imperative that a plan is introduced, agreed and reviewed on a regular basis by all of those involved with the pupil, rather than a single individual or an isolated team.

When behaviours become challenging, disruptive, confrontational, unconventional, abusive or on few occasions, aggressive and whenever possible before there is any need to consider an exclusion of any kind, a Behaviour Support Plan should be considered.

On all such occasions, the pupil's parents/carers should be fully involved in this process. The reasons for the decision to implement a plan should be made clear, always identifying the positive outcomes and expectations, rather than the negative outcomes and sanctions. Parents should be invited to take part in meetings to identify targets to be set, the review periods and any reward scheme to encourage achievement.

The length of time a Behaviour Support Plan operates can vary from pupil to pupil, dependent on the level of difficulties being encountered. Provided that the plans produce achievements rather than frustration and further challenge then their success will provide the pupil with a route back to full educational opportunities.

If a Behaviour Support Plan is not gaining any form of achievement or success, then that will from documentary evidence for the school or placement to consider additional or alternative support.

See also: Pastoral Support Plans