A School Without Sanctions: A new approach to behaviour management

by Steven Baker, Mick Simpson

'I believe this book will change the conversation in schools on children's behaviour.' - Dr Luna CentifantiA School Without Sanctions offers an innovative approach to behaviour management in schools, prioritising compassion and behaviour modification over punishment. Drawing on their award-winning methods, Steven Baker and Mick Simpson explain why challenging behaviour occurs and provide a toolbox of non-confrontational approaches that will benefit the whole school community.When Steven and Mick set out to transform their school's approach to behaviour, it changed everything. With the help of Dr Alice Jones Bartoli at Goldsmiths, they developed a sanction-free approach in their special school for boys with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) difficulties. Far from descending into anarchy, lessons began to improve and student–staff relationships flourished. The school is now rated outstanding in all areas, and more importantly, student outcomes have been remarkable.Steven and Mick apply this experience, as well as their work in pupil referral units and young offender institutions, to explore their strategies for managing behaviour without the need for zero tolerance, discussing exclusions, trauma, motivation and engagement along the way. Rooted in neuroscience and evolutionary psychology, this book will revolutionise the way you think about behaviour management, help boost student mental health and academic achievement, and protect teacher wellbeing.

259 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2020

Reviews

[Callum Carroll · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you’ve never read anything else, it’s a good place to start, but largely founded on principles of mid-twentieth century neuroscience and social science principles, it didn’t quite feel upto date with anything modern. The opening chapters had something interesting, but by the end I was just glad to have finished reading it.