Relational Practice training for schools - online CPD E-Learning course

Unlock improvements to behaviour and engagement with the relational approach

We know schools today are managing:

Rising SEMH complexity and behaviour that repeats
Inconsistent relational responses across staff
Reactive behaviour management that doesn’t address root causes
Limited staff release time and tight CPD budgets
Growing expectations from Ofsted on inclusive practice

Behaviour policies and one-off workshops aren’t shifting outcomes. You need practical, scalable training that embeds a structured relational approach across your whole team.

Good relationships are “miracle grow” for the brain. Nothing is more powerful. We must find ways to increase the number of positive human interactions for our children.

Dr Bruce Perry

What is the relational approach in education?

Relational practice in schools – also known as the relational approach – places relationships at the heart of teaching, learning, and behaviour. It’s grounded in attachment theory, trauma-informed practice, and the neuroscience of child development. Research consistently shows that teacher-pupil relationships are among the most powerful factors in improved behaviour and academic attainment. John Hattie’s research found that the quality of these relationships had a greater effect on outcomes than metacognition or direct instruction.

This course teaches you how to put that into practice.

How do you apply a relational approach to behaviour?

For schools dealing with challenging or escalating behaviour, the relational approach offers a practical, evidence-based alternative to purely punitive systems. It recognises that behaviour is communication - when a pupil is dysregulated or disruptive, they are signalling unmet social, emotional, or developmental needs.

The course equips your staff to:

Understand the drivers behind behaviour rather than just responding to the symptoms
Use co-regulation and de-escalation strategies to reduce conflict
Apply restorative approaches to repair relationships when things go wrong
Maintain high expectations and clear boundaries through connection, not just compliance

Schools embedding a relational approach to behaviour report fewer repeat incidents, reduced exclusions, and a calmer school culture.

What our Relational Approach e-learning delivers?

Our self-paced e-learning (approx 3 hours) gives your team a structured programme to strengthen how they connect with and support pupils. It recognises that behaviour is communication - when a pupil is dysregulated or disruptive, they are signalling unmet social, emotional, or developmental needs.

The course equips your staff to:

Understand the drivers behind behaviour rather than just responding to the symptoms
Use co-regulation and de-escalation strategies to reduce conflict
Apply restorative approaches to repair relationships when things go wrong
Maintain high expectations and clear boundaries through connection, not just compliance

Schools embedding a relational approach to behaviour report fewer repeat incidents, reduced exclusions, and a calmer school culture.

Why does this matter now?

The Ofsted framework introduced in November 2025 makes inclusion a standalone inspection area. Schools are expected to demonstrate how they foster belonging and support pupils with additional needs.
Relational practice directly supports the inclusion, behaviour and attitudes, and personal development areas of the framework.
Staff confidence and wellbeing improve when teams share a consistent relational approach.

This training solves those pressures in a way that fits your timetable and budget.

Pricing

£35 plus VAT.

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This course will help improve student wellbeing and success. Learn practical, immediately-applicable strategies to build stronger connections with your students, fostering a classroom where every child feels seen and supported.

Approx. 3 hours of structured digital learning
Practical video content and reflective activities
Downloadable resources
Certificate of completion for your CPD records

Self-paced and divided into bite-sized chapters. Access anytime, anywhere, at your own speed.

After completing his course, you will be able to:

Respond to behaviour with greater consistency and confidence
Use relational language that strengthens pupil connection
Recognise how adult responses influence escalation or de-escalation
Apply the relational approach and Six Principles of Nurture to your daily practice
Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils, colleagues, and the wider school community
Contribute to a shared relational culture across your setting
Support your school’s evidence for Ofsted inclusion, behaviour and attitudes, and personal development

This training is designed for:

Class teachers seeking practical relational strategies for behaviour and engagement
Teaching assistants supporting pupils with SEMH needs
SENCOs and inclusion leads building consistent relational practice across staff
School leaders embedding an attachment-aware, trauma-informed culture
Whole-staff CPD programmes — at £35 + VAT it fits within individual and school CPD budgets

The course sits at the develop level of our framework.

Your next step would be our in-depth training, the Theory and Practice of Nurture Groups

To embed the relational approach across a whole school, sign up for the National Nurturing Schools Programme.