'I believe this book will change the conversation in schools on children's behaviour.' - Dr Luna Centifanti
A School Without Sanctions draws on practice developed in specialist educational settings to offer a relational, inclusive approach to behaviour and wellbeing. As mainstream schools develop inclusion bases and internal alternative provision, the principles in this book provide practical, transferable ways of creating belonging, reducing exclusion, and supporting pupils with challenging needs. Rooted in real-world experience, it offers an alternative to punitive systems at a time when schools are rethinking inclusion and behaviour.
When Steven and Mick set out to transform their school's approach to behaviour, it changed everything. With the help of Dr Alice Jones Bartoli at Goldsmiths, they developed a sanction-free approach in their special school for boys with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) difficulties. Far from descending into anarchy, lessons began to improve and student-staff relationships flourished. The school is now rated outstanding in all areas, and more importantly, student outcomes have been remarkable.
Steven and Mick apply this experience, as well as their work in pupil referral units and young offender institutions, to explore their strategies for managing behaviour without the need for zero tolerance, discussing exclusions, trauma, motivation and engagement along the way. Rooted in neuroscience and evolutionary psychology, this book will revolutionise the way you think about behaviour management, help boost student mental health and academic achievement, and protect teacher wellbeing.
