Talk title SEND Training: Challenging Behaviour and Crisis De escalation

Talk description Professionals working with individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities often understand behavioural theory but feel unprepared when faced with real moments of crisis. When behaviour escalates rapidly, staff must make decisions in seconds while maintaining safety, dignity, and ethical practice.

This talk explores how evidence based behavioural models can be translated into practical strategies that work in real world environments such as schools, care settings, and community services. Drawing on frontline experience supporting individuals with severe learning disabilities, trauma histories, and complex behavioural needs, the session focuses on understanding behaviour as communication and responding effectively when individuals become distressed or dysregulated.

The presentation introduces a practical framework for recognising escalation early, building relational safety, and using de escalation strategies that prioritise calm communication, emotional regulation, and environmental support. It also examines how professionals can respond safely during crisis situations while maintaining a restraint reduction approach and protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved.

Rather than focusing purely on theory, this session demonstrates how behavioural science can be implemented in practice when individuals are overwhelmed, distressed, or in behavioural crisis.

Audience Teachers Teaching assistants SEND professionals Care staff Social workers Healthcare professionals Parents and carers

Key outcomes for the audience

Understand behaviour as communication rather than defiance Recognise the stages of escalation before crisis occurs Learn practical de escalation strategies that work in real situations Understand how to respond safely during crisis while maintaining dignity and restraint reduction principles Improve confidence when supporting individuals experiencing distress

Typical formats

Keynote presentation Professional training workshop Conference seminar Parent and carer training session