Norfolk Steps is a programme devised by Norfolk County Council which supports all staff in our school to promote positive behaviour.  Every member of staff working with pupils is trained to use the Steps principles in their everyday practice and in all interactions with pupils.
Steps principles are all about understanding…
 

• The importance of ethos and policy - Steps is a whole school approach and our school is an inclusive space in which a culture of positive behaviour promotion is shared by all staff and cemented in our school policy.

• The importance of consistency - consistent approaches and responses to behaviour ensure a ‘certainty’ and ‘predictability’ for children.  This certainty establishes safe and understood boundaries around behaviours.

• Internal and external discipline - staff recognise that externally applied discipline is a necessary component to keep individuals safe. However, if it is solely imposed through rules and suppression this may only achieve a short term change.  We recognise that internal discipline is created when individuals internalise ‘what and why’ rules and ‘ways to behave’ are important. This internalisation leads to ownership of behaviour - responsibility and self-discipline. This ownership is necessary for long-term success.

• The importance of relationships - this underpins everything we do at Bure Park.  We develop professional and trusting relationships with pupils through every interaction.

• Conscious and subconscious behaviour - staff are trained to consider the need that is being met by the pupil through their behaviour in order to consider the best way to approach a response.

• How experiences and feelings affect behaviour.  Staff regularly analyse pupils’ behaviour through ‘roots and fruits’ exercises.  staff map how behaviour is a method of communication which derives from pupils’ experiences and feelings.

• The language of de-escalation.  Staff use a variety of scripts to ensure a consistent and calm approach is adopted for all responses to behaviour.

• The need for planning.  Staff complete care and risk management plans which highlight pupils’ needs, recognised triggers and strategies to manage and educate staff and the pupils themselves around their behaviour.

• Punishment and consequence.  At Bure Park, staff recognise the importance of using either an educational or protective consequence with the aim of promoting positive behaviours.  

• ‘Duty of Care’ around harm.  Staff will respond to all behaviours at the appropriate level in reaction to foreseeable or actual harm.  We will always respond to pupils’ behaviours which pose a risk of harm to themselves, others, the school and or the learning environment.

• Appropriate physical intervention strategies.  We work within current legislative frameworks to ensure that we can carry out our duty of care.

• The importance of restorative approaches and conflict resolution.  All behaviours are followed up with a consequence which is based in restorative approaches.  Pupils are encouraged to reflect on their behaviours through conversations and thinking boxes which support pupils to recognise how their experiences lead to feelings which lead to their behaviours and how to build in strategies for the promotion of more positive behaviours.