Challenging Behaviour (Teacher Summer Courses) - Online Course

This course is designed for professionals working in education and related support services who wish to strengthen their approach to behaviour support in a practical and inclusive way.

It may be particularly suitable for:

• Primary and post-primary teachers

• Special education teachers and SEN coordinators

• School leaders and support staff

• Psychologists and educational support professionals

• Occupational therapists working in school contexts

• Early years educators and AIM support workers

Whether you are experienced in behaviour support or looking to build confidence in this area, this course provides structured, accessible learning that can be applied directly to your own setting.

Access to the Programme
The programme is designed to be accessible, practical, and relevant for busy professionals. It is delivered through a structured and supportive format that encourages active participation, reflection, and application.

Flexible learning elements, including online resources and guided activities, allow participants to engage with the course alongside their professional responsibilities

Entry Criteria
This course is open to individuals working in, or preparing to work in, relevant education, health, care, or support settings.

It may be particularly suitable for teachers, psychologists, occupational therapists, preschool educators, AIM support workers, SNAs, and related professionals.

Learners should have an interest in inclusive practice and behaviour support, along with a willingness to engage in reflective and practice-based learning. Current professional experience in an educational or support setting is beneficial but not essential.

English Language Requirements
Learners should have a good standard of English to participate fully in the course and engage with course materials.

If English is not your first language and you are unsure whether this course is suitable for you, please contact hello@forustraining.ie for guidance.

IT Skills and Equipment Required
Participants will need:

• Basic computer literacy

• Access to a laptop or desktop computer

• A reliable internet connection

• Ability to access videos, PDFs, and online learning materials

• A modern web browser

• Word processing software for completing tasks

For live or interactive sessions (where applicable):

• Access to Zoom or equivalent platform

• Working microphone and speakers/headset

• Webcam (if required for participation)

Reasonable Accommodation
Forus Training is committed to supporting learners to participate as fully as possible in their course.

Learners who may need reasonable accommodation or additional support are encouraged to contact their Course Advisor as early as possible so that appropriate supports can be discussed.

This course is structured around practical, classroom-focused learning across key areas of behaviour support:

• Understanding behaviour as communication

• Environmental and instructional influences on behaviour

• Introduction to the ABC (Antecedent–Behaviour–Consequence) framework

• Structured observation and behaviour analysis

• Designing proactive classroom routines and expectations

• Reinforcement systems that support pupil dignity

• Prompting and gradual fading strategies

• Teaching replacement skills and supporting engagement

• De-escalation and preventative approaches

• Supporting pupils with additional needs and neurodiversity

• School Self Evaluation (SSE) and behaviour improvement planning

• Reflective practice and evaluation of impact

Participants engage with real-life case scenarios and adapt strategies to their own classroom or professional context.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Develop an understanding of key factors influencing behaviour in classroom settings

• Use structured observation approaches, including the ABC framework

• Identify triggers and maintaining factors associated with behaviour

• Explore practical, inclusive strategies to support engagement and participation

• Design behaviour support approaches aligned to pupil needs

• Reflect on the impact of interventions within their own setting

• Build confidence in applying preventative and ethical behaviour strategies

• Engage with SSE processes to support continuous improvement

Blended / Online / Live Online (as applicable)
Includes structured learning materials, guided activities, and facilitated engagement.

This course uses a practice-based, participation-focused approach rather than formal examinations.

Participants may engage in:

• Reflective activities

• Structured observation tasks

• Practical strategy design

• Discussion forums and peer engagement

Facilitators provide ongoing guidance, feedback, and support throughout the course. Feedback is focused on practical application, reflective thinking, and continuous improvement.

Learner Welfare
At Forus Training, we aim to create a positive, inclusive, and respectful learning environment.

Our team is available to support learners throughout their learning experience, and we encourage participants to reach out if they need guidance in relation to course participation, access, or learning support.

Supports for Learners with Disabilities and Specific Learning Difficulties
Forus Training is committed to inclusive learning. Supports may be available for learners with disabilities or specific learning difficulties.

Participants are encouraged to contact their Course Advisor to discuss individual needs so that appropriate supports can be explored.

Participants will receive confirmation of attendance or completion, where applicable.

This course may support your continuing professional development. Participants should check with their employer or professional body regarding specific CPD or EPV recognition requirements.

After completing this course, learners may wish to continue their professional development through further short courses, specialist workshops, or advanced study in related areas such as inclusion, behaviour support, wellbeing, or educational practice.