Underpinned by a clear vision, at Lewis Girls' School we believe in a non-confrontational approach to behaviour management which can be very effective with students, especially vulnerable students and those with mental health difficulties. This approach is based on compassion, wellbeing and reward, eschewing the use of sanctions. In short, a non-confrontational approach to modifying behaviour focuses on developing positive relationships and shifts the narrative to be preventative.

Much of this approach is based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. At the top is self-actualisation (fulfilling your potential), but before children reach that stage, they must have some of their basic needs met. Some of our most vulnerable learners do not have their basic ‘safety’ and ‘physiological’ needs met, yet we expect them to sit in a classroom and learn. Therefore, a ‘belonging’ approach means striving to understand the context of each child and finding a personalised care package that best supports their needs so they are able to move through Maslow’s hierarchy.

                                   Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Some of the ways we support students moving through Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs:

• Breakfast clubs;
• Drinking water availability;
• Educating students and parents on the importance of rest;
• Positive Inclusion (behaviour management);
• Meet and greeting students;
• Communications with home;
• Building relationships between teachers and students;
• Celebrating success.