Behaviour and Belonging

Behaving and Belonging explores how schools can create cultures where behaviour and belonging are brought together to help support every child thrive. This book draws on practical experience, real lived educational leadership and a strong belief in children. Sam Strickland challenges some of the traditional ways we think about behaviour.

This is a book about moving from reacting to behaviour to proactively creating the conditions to allow for the creation and embedding of positive behaviour, which in turn will support children to belong, thrive and achieve. It considers how expectations, routines, relationships, language, consistency, professional development, clear systems and leadership can work together to create environments where children feel safe, valued and able to succeed.

At its heart is a simple idea; children are more likely to meet high expectations when they feel that they belong.

The book explores the connection between behaviour and belonging, showing how a strong school culture can reduce disruption, improve relationships and create better conditions for learning. It considers the role staff play in creating that culture, while recognising the complexity of modern school life and the diverse needs of children and young people.

Rather than offering a quick-fix behaviour programme, Behaving and Belonging provides a framework for thinking differently. It encourages schools to ask important questions about their values, culture, systems and responses.

Practical, reflective and grounded in the realities of education, this book is designed for school leaders, teachers and anyone who believes that behaviour is about more than compliance. Behaving and Belonging argues that the strongest school cultures are not built through rules alone. They are built through relationships, clarity, consistency, trust and a shared belief that every child matters. When children feel that they belong, they are more likely to engage, connect and succeed.

This is ultimately a book about people, relationships and creating schools where every child has the opportunity to thrive.