Summary of the aims of assessment

Before a planning meeting can be set up, it is necessary to form a clear view of the focus of the concern that the meeting would aim to address. This can be achieved through an initial assessment process that considers the following questions:

Defining the behaviour

• When does the challenging behaviour occur and not occur?
• Where is it most likely to occur, or not occur?
• What are the specific triggers?

Forming a hypothesis

• What short-term gains are achieved for the pupil by his/her behaviour?
• What longer term purpose might the pupil be trying to achieve?

Gathering information about the pupil

• When is the pupil most likely to be successful?
• What skills does the pupil already demonstrate?
• What are the exceptions to the rule that "this pupil experiences emotional and behavioural difficulties"?
• Who or what are the significant influences over the pupil's behaviour?
• What is the pupil's view about the "problem"? What are his/her parents'/carers' views?

General

• Who is most concerned by this behaviour?
• What view do other people have of the pupil?

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