This practical resource helps school staff to reframe behaviour as a means of communicating a need, ensuring they can sensitively and effectively support children with a range of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

With case studies and examples woven throughout, the book focuses on relational and strength-based approaches to improve mental health and wellbeing, self-esteem, sense of safety and, in turn, behaviour and educational outcomes. All advice is carefully designed to have the maximum positive impact on the child and minimum impact on teacher time and resources.

Key features include:

◾ Accessible explorations of a range of difficulties and their effects on school life

◾ A variety of supportive strategies, tips and advice, designed to be easy to implement effectively within a busy classroom

◾ A focus on building and maintaining positive relationships, making the classroom a safe learning environment

Small adjustments can make a huge difference to wellbeing, whether they are for those with a diagnosis, with SEND, with SEMH needs, with anxiety, or just those having a hard time. This book will be an essential tool for teachers, SENCOs and school leaders in both mainstream and specialist settings.

Rachel Thynne qualified as a teacher at Bath College of Higher Education (now Bath Spa University) in 1996. Since then she has taught in both mainstream and specialist settings, in the UK and Malaysia. She has taught from Nursery to Key Stage 3 and has also taught children with English as an Additional Language.

Rachel is currently the Outreach Lead in an outstanding, attachment-aware specialist provision for pupils with SEMH needs. She works with staff in local mainstream schools, from early years to Key Stage 4, specialising in providing training, advice and guidance from whole school level through to planning for individual pupils in order to provide support for the effective inclusion of pupils with SEMH needs in school.

Rachel is also a Specialist Leader in Education for Behaviour and Special Educational Needs, working with school leaders to develop inclusive practices and remove barriers to learning to help children to flourish.

Rachel lives in Dorset, UK, with her husband, two children and her little dog Milo and loves going for walks in the countryside and at the beach.