Darlington Council is working with its schools and partner agencies to improve behaviour and attendance for children and young people within this local authority.This growing team of both teaching and non teaching staff work with schools, other professionals and parents to develop strategies to better meet the needs of all children within Darlington.
Darlington LA is involved in a the development of a Behaviour Strategy pilot which offers new curriculum models to support the development of social, emotional and behavioural skills and enables schools to complete a rigorous audit of practice to inform school development in this area.This process is being supported and evaluated by the Dcsf Regional Director for B+A.
A significant part of the work of the team is devoted to the promotion and dissemination of good practice, most, of which is from local schools, and support services and agencies. There are plans in place to develop a resource base to offer further support for schools.
The following, details some areas of support that the behaviour team offer:
Working with parents
Advice to parents in relation to referred child
Parenting Skills courses
Supporting other agencies in offering behaviour management courses
Working with teachers
Observation support and advice in the classroom
Advice on SEN procedure and practice
Advice on general classroom management strategies e.g. reward systems
Re-integration of pupils returning to mainstream schools
Solution Focussed approach to problem solving
Training and Consultancy
Advice on policy and practice
Anger Management
Assertive Discipline Training
Awareness raising of specific disorders eg ADHD, Aspergers Syndrome
Behaviour audits
Circle Time Training
Conflict Resolution/Dealing with Difficult Students
Developmental work with individuals, departments, whole school
Lunchtime Supervisor training and support
Observation programme in schools
Positive Classroom Management
Review of Behaviour Policies
Support in setting up Pastoral Support Plans
Advice and support re: Parenting Skills
Whole school training packages
For further details contact Pamela Sayer 01325 380825
or e-mail: pamela.sayer@darlington.gov.uk