School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support

A safe, respectful and inclusive school community where every student is supported to learn, connect and thrive.

What is School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support?

School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) is a whole-school approach to building a positive, predictable and inclusive learning environment.

At Yarraville Special Developmental School, we teach positive behaviour as an important part of learning. Students are supported to understand expectations, communicate their needs, develop relationships and participate confidently in school life.

Our approach recognises that every student learns and communicates differently. Staff use clear routines, explicit teaching, encouragement and individualised adjustments to help students experience success.

School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support at Yarraville Special Developmental School

Our School-Wide Expectations

Our three shared expectations — Safe, Responsible and Respectful — give students and staff a common language for positive participation. What these expectations look like can be adapted to each student's communication, learning and support needs.

Safe

Learning ways to care for our own safety and wellbeing, and the safety of others.

Responsible

Making choices, following supportive routines and taking part in caring for shared spaces.

Respectful

Showing consideration, valuing different ways of communicating and building positive relationships.

How We Support Positive Behaviour

Positive behaviour is taught, practised and recognised throughout the school day — in classrooms, playgrounds, transitions and shared learning spaces.

Teach and Model Expectations

Use clear explanations, modelling and repeated opportunities to practise positive behaviour in everyday settings.

Support Communication

Recognise different communication methods, including visual supports and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) where appropriate.

Build Predictable Routines

Help students understand daily activities, prepare for changes and participate with confidence.

Recognise Progress

Encourage effort, acknowledge achievements and celebrate meaningful growth for each learner.

Respond Proactively

Consider communication, sensory needs and wellbeing, and provide additional support before challenges escalate where possible.

Work and Reflect Together

Use observations, collaboration and relevant information to review and improve the support provided.

Support That Meets Individual Needs

SWPBS uses a three-tiered framework to organise support. These tiers describe levels of support, not labels for students. The level and type of support can change as a student's needs change.

TIER 1 · UNIVERSAL

Support for Everyone

Clear school-wide expectations, positive teaching, accessible communication and consistent routines for all students.

TIER 2 · TARGETED

Additional Support

More focused teaching, practice and strategies for students who benefit from extra support in particular areas.

TIER 3 · INDIVIDUALISED

Personalised Support

More intensive, coordinated planning and individual strategies developed with relevant staff, families and professionals.

SWPBS Resources and Behaviour Matrices

Our resources provide further information about positive behaviour support and examples of expected behaviour across learning environments.

Positive Behaviour Support Tiers Primary Expected Behaviour Matrix Secondary Expected Behaviour Matrix SWPBS – As Recommended by Sugai

Working Together with Families

Families and carers know their children best. Their understanding of individual strengths, communication preferences, sensory needs and helpful strategies is an important part of planning effective support.

By working together, families, teachers, education support staff and allied health professionals can build consistent approaches that support wellbeing, participation and meaningful progress.

Every Student, Every Success

We aim to create a school community where positive behaviour is taught with care, supported with understanding and celebrated through each student's achievements.