A National Update on Behaviour by The Department for Education

Tom Bellwood, the School Partnership Lead at the Behaviour Hub for the Department for Education, recently presented a comprehensive update on initiatives aimed at supporting students and staff during our Improving Behaviour in Schools Conference 2024. With over a decade of experience in pastoral leadership and various roles within the school setting, Bellwood shared valuable insights into the current national landscape and the Behaviour Hubs program. With 90% of students reporting receiving verbal abuse from other pupils (NASUWT, 2023) in the last 12 months, this issue must be faced by professionals proactively. The full presentation can be watched above, with a full summary available below. 

National Behaviour Survey and Shifts in Behaviour Post-COVID 

The first national behaviour survey conducted over the past year has revealed significant shifts in behaviour perceptions, particularly post-COVID. The results highlight a noticeable decline in behaviour, affecting not just the students but also the staff’s morale and retention rates within the education sector. 

Impact on Staff and Community Belonging 

Emphasising the importance of belonging for both students and staff, Bellwood explained that a supportive environment fosters a sense of belonging, which is crucial for happiness and community cohesion. Schools play an integral role in their communities, and a strong connection among families, students, and teachers strengthens community bonds. 

Increase in Suspensions and Permanent Exclusions 

The report also showed an increase in measurable behaviour impacts, such as suspensions and permanent exclusions, with nearly a thousand more permanent exclusions than the previous academic year. Factors contributing to this decline in behaviour include the increased use of mobile phones, changes in attendance patterns due to remote learning during COVID-19, and the current living crisis affecting student behaviour and mental health. 

Behaviour Hubs Program and Its Objectives 

The Behaviour Hubs programme aims to support schools in understanding and setting a positive school culture. One key objective is to rebuild the understanding of the importance of school post-COVID and empower senior staff and leaders to implement consistent behaviour policies. The program, based on Tom Bennett’s 2017 review and the Timpson review on exclusions and suspensions, is on track to support over 650 schools. 

What is the Behaviour Hubs Programme?

• The Behaviour Hubs programme helps senior leaders create and implement customized behaviour strategies. Initially intensive, it provides the expertise needed for change and ongoing support to sustain improvements.
• Schools start with an audit phase to identify areas for improvement. They then develop and launch new behaviour strategies, typically in their second term.
• Once implemented, schools receive continuous support to monitor and update their strategies. They also gain access to resources from behaviour advisers and lead School Open Days and exclusive Hub Networking events.

 Source: Behaviour Hubs

Creating a Behaviour Curriculum 

Bellwood stressed the importance of schools having a clear behaviour curriculum that aligns with their core values and culture. This involves defining desired behaviours, creating supportive systems, explicitly teaching these behaviours, and continuously reviewing and monitoring progress. His presentation underscored the necessity for schools to have a robust behaviour curriculum, supported by a positive school culture and strong leadership, to ensure the success and well-being of both students and staff. 

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