The importance of consistency to support positive behaviour

Why is consistency important in supporting positive behaviours?

Consistency plays a crucial role in supporting positive behaviours.

Consistent approaches and responses to behaviour ensure a 'certainty' and 'predictability' for children and young people.

This certainty establishes safe and understood boundaries around behaviours and relationships.

Some children and young people may have experienced inconsistencies both at home and at school, this can be confusing and unsettling for them. When children or young people don't know what to expect, anxiety and uncertainty can arise, making it harder for them to cope with change or inconsistency.

What might this look like in practice in your school or setting?

1. Clear boundaries

Consistency allows children and young people (and adults) to understand what's expected of them. Having realistic and achievable boundaries creates a secure environment where everyone knows the rules.

2. Effective learning

When rules remain consistent, children and young people can express themselves appropriately. This consistency leads to effective learning and improved outcomes.

3. Golden rules

Establish a set of golden rules with children and young people and refer to them consistently throughout the day. These rules may include positive statements such as 'we use respectful language towards each other' or 'we look after property'.

Golden rules should be aligned with the school's values within the relationship/behaviour policy.  This is a useful way to ensure all adults and children and young people are familiar with the school's expectations and are able to put policy into practice.

Display these rules visually to serve as reminders for everyone involved.

4. Positive language

Frame rules positively: describe the behaviour you want to see rather than what you don't want. For instance, focus on "walking, thank you" instead of "no running in the corridor."

5. Share expectations

Communicate expectations with parents, ensuring everyone works toward the same goals for the child.

6. School policy

Schools should have clear policies available to all staff. Establishing expectations of adults around consistent practice also empowers everyone to 'get it right' and embeds an understanding of collective responsibility.

Remember that consistency requires collaboration among teachers, staff, and school leadership. Regular communication and professional development can help maintain a consistent approach to behaviour management.

How might consistency look for individual children and young people?

Being consistent does not mean that we must do exactly the same thing for all children. Some children and young people will need a differentiated approach to support their behaviour.  This should be particularly considered when working with children and young people with SEND as emphasised within the Equality Act 2010: "Settings can treat and in some cases, must treat, disabled persons more favourably by making reasonable adjustments."

Consistency means that a child or young person should always get the same response from adults when they display a particular behaviour - although that response may differ to that which may be given to another child or young person dependent on their profile of needs.  A useful way to ensure that this happens is through the use of behaviour support plans. Please refer to the Behaviour support plans One Minute Guide for further information.

In order to support a consistent approach, behaviour support plans should be shared with all staff/adults working with the child or young person.

To ensure maximum consistency it may also be helpful to share plans and strategies with the child or young person's family.  The local School and Community Team may be able to assist with this.

Possible challenges around consistency

Sometimes children and young people may struggle when consistent boundaries are applied.  This may be for any of the following reasons:

Learning and exploration

• Children and young people are constantly learning about the world around them. Their curiosity drives them to explore, test boundaries, and push limits.
• Consistency can feel restrictive because it limits their ability to explore and learn from different experiences.

Developmental stages

• Different developmental stages come with varying abilities to understand and follow rules consistently.
• Younger children may struggle more because their cognitive abilities are still developing.

Consistency can be difficult to achieve but is so important.  It is vital to take a team approach to ensure that the child or young person receives the same message from all of the adults around them.  Behaviour support plans can help as they are designed with the child or young person, staff, and shared with families.  These plans can support the behaviour with a clear, considered approach and promote consistency.

What support is available?

National

Twinkl

Twinkl provides information about consistency, including what it is, how it can help in the classroom and at home with routines and good behaviour.

Education Endowment Fund (EEF)

EEF explores Recommendation Six of the ​"Improving Behaviour in Schools" guidance report: ​'Consistency is Key.'

Norfolk

Norfolk Steps training

Norfolk Steps provides training and resources to help schools and settings with early intervention and prevention strategies to support positive behaviour. In addition, Norfolk Steps provide behaviour management techniques to respond to behaviours that challenge and/or harm.

For support at home

Just One Norfolk (JON) provides a range of useful guidance for families on topics such as child development and behaviour. You can also find a series of Norfolk Steps online sessions to support families on the JON website.'

In addition the local School and Community Team may be able to offer further support and guidance.

Key contacts

If you would like some talk to a member of our team for additional support and guidance, then please contact us on 0333 313 7165.