Therapeutic Thinking — Our Behaviour and Inclusion Approach

We adopt the Therapeutic Thinking framework as outlined by Suffolk County Council and the principles promoted by therapeuticthinking.co.uk. This approach prioritises emotional regulation, restorative practices, and understanding behaviour as a form of communication. All staff will receive training in Therapeutic Thinking strategies to ensure consistency across our provision. Training will include practical techniques for supporting pupils’ social and emotional needs, creating calm environments, and promoting positive relationships. Governors and senior leaders will also be offered awareness sessions to embed this approach throughout the school community.

In practice, Therapeutic Thinking helps us analyse behaviour, plan prosocial responses, reduce reliance on punitive sanctions, and co‑produce mini‑plans (e.g., predict & plan, agreed scripts) so children experience clear, calm and fair responses from all adults. It aligns with our graduated approach and sits alongside Valuing SEND (VSEND) within the Suffolk Inclusion Toolkit.