A common conversation in schools at the moment is whether behaviour is worse than before the pandemic. So far, our evidence is that things feel worse but we can’t find data that stands up that the average classroom behaviour actually is worse. (This doesn’t stop behaviour outside the classroom from being worse, of course).
Another signal that something is going on, however, is that more teachers this year said that if you could just improve one aspect of your teaching you would choose to improve behaviour management – steadily up from 18% in October 2019 to 23% now.
Engagement with parents is also up from 9% to 13%. Many schools brought in parents communication systems during Covid which now means parents are more able, and more practiced, in sending messages to schools and so it has become a greater expectation on schools to respond.
If you’re involved in planning any future INSET days it would be worth asking your staff these questions to see if they feel similarly and planning sessions accordingly. (And if you want help in doing this, our School Surveys service may be just the thing for you!)
