Creating a Therapeutic Environment in a School Setting

The basic behaviour template for individual staff is this statement:

Respect you and show this in how I respond to you

Listen to you and give you evidence that you have been heard

We can work together

The whole school statement is:

We will

Respect each other and create a positive environment for learning and enriching experiences for all

Find ways of listening to each other and showing that we have heard by the actions we take

We want to work together

Schools are communities of individuals with differing abilities, cultures, ways of being and values. Diversity is fantastic and necessary to provide a broad range of skills and experience. However, it is the adult individuals that create the mood and set the tone of the school. The pupils may bring their varying abilities and behaviours but do not create the ethos of the school.

If the staff create the mood of the school, it is imperative that they understand and fully accept the school philosophy and understand the individual needs of the pupils – otherwise they will not contribute constructively to the school's objectives. The school philosophy and ethos is created by senior staff with the expectation that those who want to be included in school life will abide by them honestly.

A school with a strong therapeutic approach will accept as a basic assumption that every individual is worthy of respect and is capable of personal growth, positive change and improved outcomes. It is an optimistic responsive approach, driven by informed considered rationales.

This type of school will show a commitment in creating a safe environment and opportunities for all adults in the community to find ways of increasing their capacity for reflective practice, continuous learning and personal development.

Staff members will be encouraged to be assertive and effective in their communication with each other and senior staff, and to use supervision effectively. Strong links are created for honest dialogue to promote transparency in professional conduct and aspirations.