Introduction

This resource has been developed in response to requests from teachers concerned about coping with challenging behaviour. The authors, who are practitioners and researchers in this field, have drawn upon their extensive experience of working with teachers and pupils to produce approaches which seek to empower both groups.

The materials have been designed for non-specialist teachers and other staff who work with pupils experiencing behavioural, emotional and/or social difficulties (hereafter referred to as BESD) and who do not necessarily have ready access to support from specialists outside school. The focus is upon pupils whose behaviour is causing difficulty to themselves and/or other members of the school community. Challenging Behaviour offers effective ways to deal with these difficulties. The material can be used with pupils who have statements for their challenging behaviour, and with those whose behaviour is causing concern in a school, but who may not have statements. The techniques described are not only useful when dealing with extreme pupil behaviour – many of the suggestions are of value to the everyday behavioural management of any pupil or group.