The Ofsted Behaviour and Attitudes Framework is a system designed to help school leaders understand and evaluate the standards of behaviour and attitudes in their schools.
You can find the framework here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-handbook-eif/school-inspection-handbook-for-september-2023#evaluating-behaviour-and-attitudes
As part of the requirements, all schools in England must have a ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ rating from Ofsted to ensure pupils receive the correct guidance on behaving appropriately.
The framework comprises four areas we’ll explore in this blog and explain how schools can meet the criteria in the Ofsted Behaviour and Attitudes Framework.
What are the Ofsted Behaviour and Attitudes criteria?
- Promoting Positive Behaviour
- High Expectations for Behaviour
- Developing Self-Regulation Skills
- Dealing With Poor Behaviour
Promoting Positive Behaviour
This part of the framework includes encouraging pupils to think positively about themselves and their work, helping them develop problem-solving skills, teaching them how to manage their emotions and supporting them when they need extra guidance.
Another effective method of promoting positive behaviour in schools is setting clear expectations and boundaries. Schools should have a comprehensive code of conduct shared with all pupils, teachers, staff and parents.
This code should clearly outline what behaviour is expected and unacceptable in all areas of school life, including the classroom, playground, corridors and other places where pupils are present.
Creating a supportive school culture is another way to promote positive behaviours in UK schools. Schools should cultivate an ethos of respect and kindness where everyone feels accepted. Schools can do this by offering activities which promote inclusion.
Other ways to achieve and maximise culture capital for school pupils include:
- Helping them approach the arts
- Running after-school clubs and activities
- Planning regular school trips
Setting High Expectations for Behaviour
High expectations are expected as a result of the Ofsted behaviour and attitudes framework are. As Ofsted explains:
“High expectations for behaviour and attitudes should include the development of core values such as respect for self and others, resilience and motivation to succeed.”
Positive learning behaviour is about creating an environment where students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning. Teachers should actively promote the importance of good behaviour and keep track of the individual learning progress of each pupil.
On the other hand, positive relationships are also essential for successful teaching and positive behaviour in schools.
For this to happen, schools must work together with parents and governors to foster mutual respect throughout the school community. Everyone must work towards common goals that promote a positive atmosphere based on trust and understanding.
Developing Self-Regulation Skills
Self-regulation skills help young people control their thoughts, reactions and emotions. This has long been recognised as a critical factor in learning, with research showing those with strong self-regulation skills tend to perform better in academic tasks.
Ofsted's Behaviour and Attitudes Framework encourages schools to create an environment where young people can develop these skills by supporting individuals struggling with them.
Teaching techniques such as mindfulness and relaxation exercises can help pupils learn how to control their impulses and emotions more effectively. It’s also vital for schools to provide support for those who need help managing their stress levels or dealing with difficult situations or relationships.
By fostering the development of self-regulation skills, Ofsted's Behaviour and Attitudes Framework aims to ensure all students have the best chance of succeeding in school and beyond.
Dealing With Poor Behaviour
Poor behaviour is an ever-growing issue in schools across England. With expulsion, exclusion and disruptive behaviour on the rise, schools, local authorities and the government need to make the necessary changes to tackle this national epidemic.
Poor school behaviour and attitudes can lead to several adverse effects, including lower academic performance, stress for teachers, disruption in classrooms and bullying.
This behaviour is closely monitored in Ofsted’s Behaviour and Attitudes Framework. If your school is facing an Ofsted inspection soon, you may want to prioritise addressing poor behaviour as part of your preparations.
To prevent poor behaviour from occurring in the first place, schools must look at ways they can reduce stress among their pupils or make learning more enjoyable. There are several ways to do this:
- Rewarding good behaviour
- Providing emotional support through mentoring programmes
- Providing the right level of training to teachers
Communication between parents/guardians and teachers has been shown to positively affect tackling poor behaviour. Therefore, it should form an integral part of any school's policy for tackling poor behaviour among its pupils and meeting Ofsted’s standards.
We understand that it isn’t easy to keep up with all this guidance, especially when policies are constantly changing. If you’re passionate about meeting Oftsed’s standards and staying in the know about what to prioritise, we’re here to help you.
If you'd like to hear more about Ofsted and the inspection process then please do join us and the new Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver as he sits down with Tes to do an interview at the SAAShow in London on the 1st May.
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