promoting positive behaviour

We understand that managing student behaviour in colleges is a priority both in and out of the classroom. With many colleges facing challenges in their communities, how can they ensure low-level behaviour problems are tackled quickly and sensitively to create a whole college culture of respect that transcends external influences?

We have developed The CAREFUL Approach to Managing Behaviour on Campus that will give staff helpful guidance on how to confidently tackle day-to-day behaviour issues and know what to do to de-escalate situations.  

Designed by leading educationalist Dr Kate Webb of The KWP Ltd in partnership with former police inspector and expert in violence reduction Warren McKeown – this short onsite workshop will provide practical skills to college staff to help them feel confident in managing challenging behaviour on campus. 

The workshop is designed specifically for all education institutions including schools, colleges and others,  and we recommend all staff –  particularly those in student-facing areas of the college, should attend. The premise being if we all challenge poor behaviour, we create shared expectations and a collective culture. 

Our workshops consistently record increased staff confidence by the end of the training. Check out our testimonials below.

We aim to:

• Provide an understanding of the knowledge, behaviours and attitudes that can help create a positive, safe culture.
• Develop an understanding of practical techniques to help manage behaviour on campus.
• Help delegates to be more confident in using these techniques to address poor behaviour.
• Understand how to manage yourself and your well-being in stressful situations.
• Understand and practice positive non-verbal communication and verbal techniques to promote positive behaviour and de-escalate potentially difficult situations.
• Understand the environmental and external factors that can help or hinder difficult situations.
• Know the warning signs for when challenging behaviour may escalate.

The workshop focuses on de-escalation and adopts the following CAREFUL principles:

C - Communicate Calmly: Stay composed and communicate effectively. 

A - Act as the Adult in the Room: Stay calm and professional.

R - Recognise Other Influences: Be aware of emotional, medical or cultural factors.

E - Empathise: Listen and show understanding.

F - Focus on Safety: Prioritise safety for all involved.

U - Utilise Resources:  Use colleagues and peer support.

L - Learn: Reflect and debrief- what could be better?

Dr Kate Webb 

Is the Managing Director of The KWP Ltd, providing strategic consultancy for the skills and education sector. In the last twelve months The KWP Ltd has worked with partners such as the AoC to deliver an innovative sector-led consultancy service- ‘The College Collective'; supported over twenty-five colleges in a variety of projects; and worked with the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce to deliver Local Skills Improvement Plans for Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

She has worked in Further Education for over 30 years and was a College CEO and Principal for 12 years, leading a complex and successful college merger that gained an Ofsted ‘Good’ judgement for its first inspection in 2020, a ‘high confidence’ rating from QAA for Higher Education and 'outstanding' financial health (2021).

Her doctoral thesis examined the impact of GCSE retakes on 16-18 year old vocational students.

She was born in Birmingham and moved south on a narrowboat in 1996 but now lives in Berkshire with three dogs, two children and a husband.

Warren McKeown 

Recently retired from Thames Valley police after serving over 30 years of police service in many different roles, primarily front-line policing. Warren was a police inspector for over 13 years leading teams in front-line response, neighbourhood policing and the busiest custody suite in Thames Valley police. Warren worked with the Counter Terrorism team for many years as the force lead for custody and PACE compliance. For Warren's final year of service was seconded to the violence reduction unit leading Home Office projects to reduce violence in young people. Warren has received formal recognition for many aspects of his strong leadership and high-performance. Warren has a vast amount of experience and knowledge of dealing with conflict, drugs, alcohol, and violence. 

Contact us for an informal conversation by emailing enquiries@thekwp.co.uk or complete the enquiry form and we will call you at a convenient time.