Managing behaviour in schools - the best approaches to behaviour management that also support teacher workload
Managing behaviour is high on the list of priorities for many school leaders and teachers. Not only to get a handle on post-pandemic student behaviours, but also to support an ever-growing teacher workload. But how do they do this? How can teachers implement effective behaviour management techniques that also benefit their workload?
How a good behaviour management policy supports teacher workload
81% of respondents in a recent Education Empowerment Foundation report said that their top priority is to reduce the workload associated with behaviour management. To do this, a suitable behaviour management policy is essential.
A behaviour policy should serve multiple functions:
1. Set expectations
2. Promote consistency
3. Support positive behaviour
4. Provide a framework for discipline
5. Outline consistent consequences
By improving behaviour, teachers spend less time on the associated administrative tasks and parent communications and more time on actions that matter. Long term, it may also help to lessen the mental burden that many teachers experience.
Five approaches to behaviour management in schools
Below are five simple techniques to consider implementing that can help manage behaviours and support staff workload.
1. Know and understand your students and their influences
Every student deserves a supportive relationship with a member of staff. However, from a behaviour management point of view, this relationship can inform effective responses to behaviour and misbehaviour that actually land.
2. Teach learning behaviours alongside managing misbehaviour
Teaching learning behaviours should reduce the need to manage misbehaviour, thus lessening teachers’ workloads. Provide the conditions for learning behaviours to develop by ensuring that students have access to what they need to engage and participate in their learning.
3. Use simple approaches as part of a regular routine
Behaviour management strategies don’t necessarily need to be complex. There are a wide range of simple strategies and activities that teachers can implement to promote good behaviour. However, as part of this, school leaders should ensure that a solid behaviour management policy is in place and consistently applied across the school.
4. Use tailored approaches to meet individual or specialist needs
Simple, universal behaviour management techniques won’t work for or meet the needs of all students. This is where the time should be taken to develop a tailored approach, or where specialist support staff should be utilised, such as for students with additional needs.
5. Consistency is key
Behaviour strategies are more likely to land when implemented at a whole-school level. Consistency is paramount. It can sometimes take longer to implement a whole-school approach to behaviour management, however, in the long term, it should help to reduce teachers’ workload without compromising on student support.
The best behaviour management strategies for primary schools
Historically, workload has been a key concern for primary teachers (and remains to be), however it has recently been overtaken by behaviour. 48 % of teachers questioned by Teacher Tapp in 2025 selected poor behaviour as a top-three issue facing their school, up 36% on 2023. Funding remains the top concern.
With these concerns in mind, here are a few behaviour management strategies to try in primary schools:
Set clear guidelines and expectations
Primary aged children need clear guidance on how they are expected to behave. These guidelines should be short and simple, such as:
• Keep your hands and feet to yourself
• Don’t talk when someone else is talking
• Be honest
• Don’t use hurtful words
• Be kind
Counting down from 10
Establishing a countdown routine allows children to finish up their conversation and get ready for the next instruction. This is a polite and fair way to gain their attention without abruptly silencing them and potentially causing further disruption.
Some students may even join in with the countdown, to which teachers can use praise to reinforce the importance and benefits of following the rule.
Positive reinforcement techniques
Positive reinforcement can stop bad behaviour before it begins. However, the praise must be specific and in relation to whatever positive action has taken place for it to resonate. This technique encourages children to act positively and work hard. Additionally, when praise is done publicly, it can encourage the entire class to follow suit (although, private praise can strengthen relationships).
The best behaviour management strategies for secondary schools
Behaviour management strategies (as outlined below) can be used to foster a better learning culture, however, any rules and processes implemented must be consistent.
Establish behaviour expectations around low-level disruption
Low-level disruption, such as talking, shouting out answers or chewing gum can amount up to an hour of teaching time every day (38 days over the course of a year). Whilst minor in the grand scheme of behavioural problems, students (and teachers) miss out on 20% of teaching time as a result.
Establishing strict expectations around low-level disruptions can help with this. Additionally, consequences must be outlined and implemented fairly and consistently.
Act on primary behaviours before secondary behaviours
Let's say a student disrupts the class and is sent out of the room as punishment – and as they walk out, they slam the door shut. In such scenarios, it’s important to first address the primary behaviour that got them sent out before the secondary behaviour, as the student may focus more on the reprimand for the secondary behaviour and not learn the lesson intended.
Catch them being good
Children and young people are often motivated by attention and praise. If they don’t receive it for good behaviour, they may start acting out. Praising good behaviour doesn’t have to be formal or take up a lot of time, instead simply 'catch' students acting in a positive way and reward them for it with praise and attention.
Smarter behaviour management with Class Charts
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Our free guide explores how the platform's easy-to-use tools make it easier for teachers to focus on what really matters – supporting students.
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Find out how Class Charts improved behaviour management at St Helena School and ultimately boosted their Ofsted grade.
