Resources

You can't control what happens in front of you. You can control what you plan and how you react. These articles give you the thinking, the language, and the specific moves that make the difference.

New book
Kind and Clear
Articles marked in the book are developed further in the book.
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Wishcipline: why your behaviour policy isn't working

Wishcipline is the gap between what a behaviour policy says and what actually happens — on a Tuesday afternoon, when a supply teacher is covering Year 9, when no one senior is watching. The concept, the test, and what to do about it.

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The teacher at the other end of the corridor

A school in Castleford, a lunchtime sandwich, and the story that contains almost everything worth knowing about behaviour in schools. A personal essay on Wishcipline and whole-school consistency.

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The class-wide rewards ratio

For every official reminder you give in a session, you should be giving two or three class-wide rewards. Here's why the ratio transforms how a behaviour system feels, and the companion record sheet to make it practical.

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The policy/practice document

Most behaviour policies describe what the school believes. This document describes what staff actually do, the exact language, scripts, routines, and fidelity checks that turn a policy into a practice. Includes a completed example and a blank template to fill in with your staff.

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Understanding behaviour
Is negative behaviour a choice? in the book 5 min read The four reasons for poor behaviour in the book 6 min read Strict or supportive? Why choosing a side is the wrong approach 5 min read The Attention Dynamic in the book 3 min read Nobody wants to talk about behaviour. Here's why. 2 min read Behaviour management vs teaching and learning 3 min read Positive behaviour management, is there any other type? 2 min read Where is the humanity in a behavioural approach? 3 min read Dull lessons fuelling poor behaviour, or is it the other way around? 2 min read
Consistency
Wishcipline: why your behaviour policy isn't working 3 min read The teacher at the other end of the corridor 3 min read The secret to real consistency in behaviour management in the book 6 min read The myth of high expectations in behaviour management in the book 2 min read Consistency vs flexibility 2 min read The Crucial Four elements of behaviour management 2 min read Use one behaviour management system well 2 min read Class-wide, individual and personal strategies for improving behaviour 3 min read Good lessons hardly ever start badly 2 min read
Relationships & language
Fair process in schools in the book 5 min read Restorative practice and behaviour management in the book 5 min read The power of positive language 2 min read Do you talk too much? 2 min read How many times have I told you not to waste your language? 2 min read School climate, revisited 4 min read
Consequences & rewards
The difference between punishments and consequences in the book 2 min read Let's ban the sticker, stamp and star in the book 3 min read The simplest of all behaviour management techniques 2 min read Start your behaviour management year with circle time 2 min read Top 10 behaviour management tips 3 min read
Policy & leadership
The policy/practice document 5 min read Your behaviour policy is rubbish. Here's why. in the book 7 min read Why behaviour data is your friend 3 min read Why Weight-Watchers works, and what schools can learn about organisational change 4 min read Three things I learnt from a year on the road 3 min read How to tackle litter in schools 3 min read A behaviour management checklist 2 min read If you want to improve your behaviour strategies, first find out where you are 2 min read Great behaviour management strategies are already in your school 2 min read A brief history of behaviour in schools 3 min read Improving lunchtime behaviour 2 min read

Further Education

Behaviour resources for FE staff →

Behaviour in FE is different. These articles are written specifically for FE lecturers, heads of department, and programme leaders who want practical approaches that fit how colleges actually work.