Therapeutic Approaches at S.U.N
Our strong school vison, values and learning behaviours underpin everything we do where we encourage our pupils to be caring, supportive and demonstrate our values at all times. All staff support pupils through positive learning experiences: promoting self-esteem and self-worth through recognition of potential and effort, development of positive relationships with the pupils and use of positive behaviour management strategies. We recognise that behaviour, whether good or bad, is communication and therefore we aim to respond to this language in a way that promotes pro-social feelings. All staff understand and recognise that positive emotional well-being leads to higher levels of emotional engagement and attainment through self-regulated behaviour.
In creating an inclusive culture, we choose to adopt a therapeutic approach. A therapeutic, trauma informed approach such as Therapeutic Thinking is:
‘An approach to behaviour that prioritises the pro-social experiences and feelings of everyone in the dynamic.’
It recognises that:
‘Trauma is not just an event that took place in the past, it is also the imprint left by that experience on mind, brain and body.’
In fostering trusted relationships in school, we will secure:
‘Momentary interactions with people, where the person feels heard, feels safe and in that interaction, they feel respected. It is not necessarily the words you say, it’s the presence you gave.’
Therefore, through well-planned therapeutic interventions in an equity model, the whole community will benefit.
A key role for school staff is to promote some types of behaviour and reduce others
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Therapeutic Approaches to Behaviour
1. Create positive feelings
2. Respectful relationships
3. Equity not equality
4. Consequences not punishments
5. Consistency not rigidity
What it is not...
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Having a Therapeutic Approach is not …
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something that we 'do to' children
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about giving every child ‘therapy’
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ignoring behaviours shown by children
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a ‘soft’ approach to behaviour management
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only good for some children
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aimed at only those children who have vulnerabilities
What it is...
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The therapeutic approach is...
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The building of trusted and positive relationships with children
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About creating a culture in which each pupil is given the help he or she needs to overcome barriers to learning and achieve success
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Giving children positive experiences and feelings about school
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Understanding that behaviour is a way children communicate an unmet need
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Understanding that the way a child feels impacts on their behaviours
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Allowing children to learn from their mistakes rather than reprimanding them
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Allowing children to take responsibility for their choices and behaviours
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Having clear consequences for anti-social behaviours
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Encourages pro-social feelings and behaviours
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Showing kindness & respect
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Respecting children's feelings and views
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Developing internal discipline without the need for bribery or coercion
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Complemented by more intensive therapeutic interventions for the pupils who need them
Parent Information
Please see below documents shared at our Therapeutic Approaches Parent information evening in November 2024 and our Bitesize resources.
