Positive Behaviour Support at Vanguard School

Vanguard School operates within a positive behaviour support (PBS) framework. PBS is an evidence based, person-centred approach which aims to focus support on achieving good quality of life outcomes for young people. A key feature of PBS is the promotion of systems to drive adaptive skills development. Adaptive skills are defined as practical, everyday skills needed to function and meet the demands of one's environment, including the skills necessary to effectively and independently take care of oneself and to interact with other people. 

Each class works towards the promotion of specific skills relevant to that particular cohort of students. These skills are reflected in a class “behaviour matrix” displayed in each classroom. This matrix outlines a list of positive behaviours linked to key adaptive skills which the staff team work to promote and reinforce throughout the school day.  These behaviours reflect the core Vanguard School Values.

Within the PBS framework, all behaviours are seen as serving a function. Where a student’s behaviour challenges, we strive to develop supports based upon a functional understanding of the behaviour. PBS aims to empower students by creating environments in which key skills can be taught and reinforced, and in which personal success is celebrated.