Responding to Challenging Behaviour

Victorian government schools help all students to feel safe, welcome, and ready to learn. Teachers encourage and support positive behaviour in every classroom.

Schools teach positive behaviour clearly

• Teachers model and practise positive behaviours so students can use them every day.
• Schools clearly describe the positive behaviour students should display to succeed at school.
• Positive behaviour is taught just like reading or maths. Teachers explain what is expected and why it matters.
• Schools give engaging instruction and achievable challenges. This helps students stay focused, feel confident, and build positive habits.
• Students are recognised and encouraged when they show safe, respectful and engaged behaviour.

Schools take a whole-school approach

• Many schools use frameworks and practices to set clear expectations and create positive culture. Such as:
  • School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS)
  • Positive Classroom Management Strategies (PCMS).
• Staff use consistent routines and language. This means students know what to expect and how to succeed.
• Staff keep track of behaviour patterns. This helps to spot issues early and adjust support when needed.

Staff are trained to support behaviour

Staff receive training to:

• help prevent behaviour issues
• teach helpful skills
• respond safely to challenges
• use engaging teaching strategies that set students up for success.

Schools support students who need extra help

• If a student needs more support, schools may create a behaviour support plan (BSP). This helps staff understand a student's behaviour and teach new, more helpful skills.
• For some students, a functional behaviour assessment may also be used to guide support.

Schools respond to behaviour in fair and respectful ways

• Staff step in early with calm and consistent responses. This particularly helps when behaviour causes harm or disrupts learning. When deemed appropriate, schools may apply brief, proportionate consequences, such as:
  • loss of privileges
  • detention
  • temporary removal from class.
• In line with school policies and departmental guidelines, all responses are planned and fair. They focus on helping students improve and never on punishing or shaming.
• Schools may apply suspensions or expulsions where required. These measures are serious and used when other options have not worked.

Schools work closely with families

• Teachers contact families early when there are behaviour concerns.
• Schools work together with families to plan support and check in on progress.
• Staff may provide practical advice or resources to support your child’s behaviour at home.
• If needed, schools can connect families with extra support. For example, wellbeing services, specialist staff, or local community agencies.

To learn more about how your school supports behaviour, speak to your child's teacher. 

They can explain the support available and if needed, connect you with the right staff member. For example, the school's wellbeing coordinator. By working together you can help your child thrive.