QTS Behaviour Management 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'fixed-term exclusion' and when may a school use it?
- A temporary exclusion from school for a fixed number of days, used for serious breaches of behaviour policy (Correct answer)
- A permanent measure for any disruption
- A process only used for violent pupils
- A sanction not available to classroom teachers
Correct answer: A temporary exclusion from school for a fixed number of days, used for serious breaches of behaviour policy
Fixed-term (or suspension) exclusion can be used by the headteacher for serious behaviour that breaches the school's behaviour policy, for a specified number of days.
Question 2: Under DfE guidance, what must schools do before issuing a fixed-term exclusion for a pupil with SEND?
- Consider whether the behaviour is related to the pupil's SEND needs and whether reasonable adjustments have been made (Correct answer)
- Immediately exclude without further consideration
- Only inform the SENCO after the exclusion has been issued
- Consult only the headteacher
Correct answer: Consider whether the behaviour is related to the pupil's SEND needs and whether reasonable adjustments have been made
Schools must consider whether SEND needs are a factor in the behaviour and whether all reasonable adjustments and support have been applied before excluding a pupil with SEND.
Question 3: What is the 'Equality Act 2010' implication for behaviour management?
- Schools must not unlawfully discriminate against pupils with protected characteristics, including disability, when applying behaviour policies (Correct answer)
- Schools can apply different behaviour standards to pupils with disabilities
- Exclusion is never permitted for pupils with protected characteristics
- Only physical disabilities are relevant to behaviour management
Correct answer: Schools must not unlawfully discriminate against pupils with protected characteristics, including disability, when applying behaviour policies
The Equality Act requires schools to ensure behaviour policies do not unlawfully discriminate — reasonable adjustments must be made for disabled pupils, and disproportionate application of sanctions may be unlawful.
Question 4: What is 'trauma-informed practice' in relation to behaviour management?
- Recognising that harmful or challenging behaviour may be a response to trauma, and responding with empathy and support rather than purely punitive measures (Correct answer)
- A method of punishment for extreme behaviours
- A medical diagnosis process
- A technique exclusive to special schools
Correct answer: Recognising that harmful or challenging behaviour may be a response to trauma, and responding with empathy and support rather than purely punitive measures
Trauma-informed practice acknowledges that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can manifest as challenging behaviour — it prioritises understanding, relationship, and safety over punishment.
Question 5: What is a 'pastoral support programme' (PSP)?
- An intensive, time-limited programme for pupils at risk of exclusion, involving school, parents, and external agencies (Correct answer)
- A standard termly meeting for all pupils
- A curriculum modification plan
- A behaviour log maintained by the class teacher alone
Correct answer: An intensive, time-limited programme for pupils at risk of exclusion, involving school, parents, and external agencies
A PSP is a targeted intervention for pupils at serious risk of exclusion — it involves school, parents, and external agencies in creating a structured support plan with clear targets and review points.
Question 6: Which theorist is associated with the concept of 'assertive discipline'?
- Lee Canter (Correct answer)
- Alfie Kohn
- Carl Rogers
- B.F. Skinner
Correct answer: Lee Canter
Lee Canter developed the Assertive Discipline model, which emphasises clear expectations, consistent consequences, and positive recognition — widely used in UK schools.
QTS Behaviour Management 3
What is 'fixed-term exclusion' and when may a school use it?