A practical set of templates for understanding why a behaviour happens and planning support around it. The pack takes you from first recording a behaviour to a full written support plan and risk plan. The templates are simple, clearly laid out and ready to print, photocopy or fill in on screen.
What it is
The pack has six editable Word (.docx) templates, sized for A4. Each one starts with a guidance page explaining what it is, who it is for and how to use it, then the blank template on its own pages.
- ABC Recording Chart. Records what happened before a behaviour (Antecedent), what the person did (Behaviour) and what happened afterwards (Consequence). Includes an intensity key and a worked example.
- Frequency and Duration Tracker. A weekly tally grid split into time periods for each day, a duration log for start and end times, and a weekly summary for comparing one week with the next.
- Setting Events Checklist. A daily checklist of background factors that make a behaviour more likely, such as poor sleep, pain, routine changes or staff changes. You can see them side by side with the days the behaviour happened.
- Function Summary. Helps you work out why a behaviour happens, using the four common functions: escape, attention, tangible and sensory. Includes quick questions, an evidence and likelihood rating, and a fill-in summary statement.
- Positive Behaviour Support Plan. A person-centred plan using Green (proactive), Amber (early warning signs), Red (reactive) and Blue (recovery) stages. It also covers restrictive practices, monitoring, sign-off and a record of who has read the plan.
- Risk Reduction Plan. A colour-coded 5x5 risk matrix, a table to list and score risks, actions with a named person and date, and the risk left after those actions. Also covers rights and least restrictive practice, an escalation plan and an emergency contacts table.
Who it is for
- Support workers, team leaders and managers in learning disability, autism and social care services
- Teachers, teaching assistants, SENCOs and special education staff
- PBS practitioners, behaviour specialists and clinical teams
- Foster carers, family carers and parents supporting a child or adult with behaviours of concern
- Students and trainees learning about functional assessment and Positive Behaviour Support
How to use it
Record. Use the ABC chart, the frequency and duration tracker and the setting events checklist for two to four weeks to build a clear picture of the behaviour.
Understand. Bring the evidence together in the Function Summary to decide what the behaviour achieves for the person.
Plan. Use what you have learned to write the Positive Behaviour Support Plan, focusing mainly on proactive strategies.
Keep safe. Complete the Risk Reduction Plan alongside the support plan, choosing the least restrictive options.
Review. Keep recording, check progress against your baseline data, and update the plans on their review dates or when needs change.
Each template can be used on its own or as part of the full pack. You can edit all the text in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Pages or LibreOffice, so you can add your organisation’s name or change sections to suit.
These templates support good practice. They do not replace assessment or advice from a qualified professional, and should be used in line with your organisation’s policies.
