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Castle School

Castle School

Positive Support

Protective Behaviours at Castle School

We know that children’s behaviour can arise in different ways and for a variety of reasons. At times, pupils may become dysregulated or show behaviour that may challenge. We also know that when it comes to behaviour, school and home working closely together makes the greatest difference.

At Castle, we support pupils whose behaviour may be slowing down or preventing their learning. Our approach is based on the Protective Behaviours principles that:

  • We all have the right to feel safe all the time.

  • We can talk with someone about anything, even if it feels awful or small.

We believe that when a child shows behaviour that may challenge, it is because some of their needs are not being met. These needs may be:

  • Physical

  • Communicative

  • Emotional

  • Sensory

  • Social

  • Cognitive

  • Related to mental health

Digital Passports

Every pupil has a digital passport, which parents have the right to see. This includes:

  • The child’s strengths and challenges

  • Possible triggers for dysregulation or behaviour that may challenge

  • Early warning signs that a child may be finding things difficult

  • What adults can do and say to help the child feel safe and supported

  • What we need to do to keep everyone safe

  • The skills we need to teach to reduce the need for behaviour that may challenge

The Behaviour Support Team

In school, our Behaviour Support Team works to identify and support any pupil who is struggling to access their learning. The team includes:

  • Tanzi Foulger Betts (Assistant Head)

  • Sarah Norman (Assistant Head)

  • Kirsty Hudson (Lead Learning Mentor)

  • Tom White (Lead Learning Mentor)

The team works closely with our Family Support Team and in-school therapy team:

  • Samantha Zeiher (Music Therapist)

  • Yuki Kobayashi (Art Therapist)

  • Lucy Martenz (Occupational Therapist)

  • Tina Merry (Family Support)

  • Kathryn Langran (Family Support)

We also work with outside agencies, including:

  • Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

  • Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Team

  • Social Care

  • Occupational Therapy

  • Speech and Language Therapy

  • School Nursing Service

How the Team Works

The team supports children and families by:

  • Supporting pupils in class

  • Working alongside the class team to refine support

  • Working with parents to share information and ensure consistency of approach across school and home where possible

  • Coordinating with outside professionals to provide targeted support

  • Providing training for staff

Home and School Partnership

We recognise parents and carers as partners in supporting children. If you would like advice, support, or to share information about your child’s behaviour or wellbeing, please get in touch. Together, we can help children feel safe, learn effectively, and thrive.