Behaviour in Schools Review: Call for Evidence

Overview

The Department of Education (DE) is undertaking a review of behaviour in schools across Northern Ireland. This review is being led by an independent expert, Tom Bennett OBE, and aims to develop a clear, evidence-informed understanding of the main behavioural challenges currently facing schools and to identify effective approaches and interventions that support positive behaviour, wellbeing, and learning. 

This Call for Evidence invites views, experiences, and data from a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that the review reflects the realities of school communities and that any recommendations are grounded in practical approaches which directly support our frontline education staff to create safe, calm, orderly learning environments for all our children and young people. 

PURPOSE OF THE CALL FOR EVIDENCE

The Call for Evidence seeks to: 

• Identify the key behaviour challenges impacting pupils, teachers, and school leaders; 

• Understand the frequency, severity and nature of these issues across different settings; 

• Gather evidence on underlying causes and contributing factors, including societal and digital influences; 

• Highlight effective strategies, interventions, and supports currently used in schools; 

• Identify where current practice may be inappropriate, inefficient, or lacking an evidence base; and

• Identify gaps in provision and opportunities for improvement at school, system, and policy levels. 

SCOPE OF THE REVIEW

The review will consider behaviour across all school sectors (Primary, Post-Primary, Special Schools, EOTAS).

It will consider both:

• Low-level disruptive behaviour
• Serious behavioural incidents

WHO SHOULD RESPOND 

Responses are invited from individuals and organisations across the education system and beyond. Respondents will be asked to identify their category to support analysis. 

A. School-Based Staff 

• Teachers (Primary / Post-Primary / Special / EOTAS) 

• School Leaders (Principals / Vice-Principals) 

• Classroom Assistants and Support Staff 

• Behaviour Support Staff / SEN Coordinators 

B. Pupils and Young People 

• Primary pupils 

• Post-primary pupils 

• Pupils in specialist or alternative provision 

C. Parents and Carers 

D. Education and Support Organisations 

• Education Authority (EA) 

• Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) 

• Controlled Schools’ Support Council (CSSC) 

• Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education 

• Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta 

• Middletown Centre for Autism 

E. Teacher unions, professional bodies and other representative bodies

F. Other Services

• CAMHS and mental health services 

• Youth services 

• Community and voluntary organisations 

G. Academic and Research Community 

KEY THEMES AND QUESTIONS

Respondents are encouraged to provide qualitative and/or quantitative evidence under the following themes. 

Theme 1: Nature and Scale of Behaviour Issues 

Theme 2: Impact on Teaching and Learning 

Theme 3: Underlying Causes and Influences 

Theme 4: Current Approaches and What Works 

Theme 5: Challenges and Gaps 

Theme 6: Solutions and Future Priorities 

EVIDENCE SUBMISSION 

Respondents are encouraged to submit: 

• Written responses to the themes above; 

• Supporting data or research; 

• Case studies or examples of practice; and

• Links to relevant publications or evaluations. 

All submissions should be evidence-based where possible. 

TIMESCALE 

The Call for Evidence run as follows: 

• Opening date: 15 September 

• Closing date: 6 October 

Late submissions may not be considered. 

PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY 

Responses will be handled in accordance with data protection requirements. Contributions may be used in published analysis but will not be attributed to individuals without consent.

For information about how your data will be collected, used, stored and protected, please read the Privacy Notice.

Why your views matter

Your evidence, experiences and views will help inform the review and shape future behaviour policy in schools.