Behavioural, Emotional & Social Difficulties

Behavioural, Emotional and Social Difficulties are a special need that the SEN code of practice defines as:

A learning difficulty where children and young people demonstrate features of emotional and behavioural difficulties such as:

• being withdrawn or isolated, disruptive and disturbing
• being hyperactive and lacking concentration
• having immature learning skills
• presenting challenging behaviours arising from other complex special needs.

Sometimes the behaviours we see are just the tip of the iceberg and there can be a number of underlying factors.

There may be underlying medical issues such as food intolerances, allergies or problems with the thyroid. We would advise you to raise any concerns about behaviour you experience at home with your own doctor.

At school we support children with BESD by…

• having a clear set of rules, rewards and sanctions
• teaching Personal, Social and Health Education through the SEAL programme
• discussing issues in our fortnightly Whole School Circle Time         
• having Playground Buddies who can talk through problems with other children

Additional support may be given through...

• a specific programme of rewards and sanctions in class
• a pastoral support programme
• work on developing strategies for dealing with anger
• interactive play where children are taught the social skills that they may not have developed
• social stories to help develop an understanding of how to relate to others

School may seek support from the local authority's Learning & Autism Team, Behaviour Support Team or the school nurse.