Positive Behavioural Support Course

Positive Behavioural Support – Online Course

Course overview
This online course introduces Positive Behavioural Support (PBS), a person-centred framework designed to improve quality of life for people with complex needs. It explains the principles behind PBS, the legal context, including the Mental Capacity Act, and the practical steps involved in functional assessment and Behaviour Support Plans. Learners come away better able to identify the triggers behind behaviour that challenges and to use proactive strategies that reduce the need for restrictive interventions. The course takes approximately one hour, is self-paced and is CPD accredited.

Please note: The course provides an introductory, knowledge-based overview of Positive Behavioural Support. It does not replace any practical, regulated or role-specific training that an employer may require.

What the course covers
• What Positive Behavioural Support is and its key components
• Values, theory and evidence base, and the PBS process
• Primary process outcomes
• Why PBS is used and when PBS plans are needed
• A team approach to assessment, and assessment measures
• Implementation of PBS
• The PBS Competence Framework and how it works in practice
• Levels of competency by function
• Competence Area 1: values and the rights of the individual
• Competence Area 2: functional assessments and data-led support plans
• Competence Area 3: practical implementation, monitoring and ongoing review

Who is it for?
The course is relevant to anyone who supports people whose behaviour may be described as challenging, particularly people with learning disabilities, autism or dementia. It is suitable for:
• Support workers and care assistants in residential care, nursing homes and supported living
• Registered managers responsible for safe, effective service delivery
• Domiciliary care staff providing one-to-one support at home
• SENCOs and teaching assistants in specialist or mainstream education
• Youth workers supporting vulnerable young people
• Unpaid carers and family members
• Personal assistants working through Direct Payments

It is also useful for teams that want to reduce reliance on restrictive responses and build support plans that protect dignity, safety and quality of life.

Practical benefits
• Understand what lies behind behaviour that challenges and respond in a more person-centred way
• Gain practical knowledge to apply in everyday care and support
• Support work that moves away from restrictive responses
• Contribute to support plans that protect dignity, safety and quality of life
• Provide evidence of understanding for staff induction, or use the course as refresher training
• Earn 1 CPD point and a CPD-accredited certificate

What learners will be able to do
• Explain the core principles of Positive Behavioural Support
• Identify the triggers and functions of behaviour
• Recognise when a PBS plan is needed
• Describe how functional assessment and assessment measures inform support
• Understand the three Competence Areas and the levels of competency by function
• Apply PBS appropriately within their own role, whether in direct support or management

Is this training a legal requirement?
The course covers the legal landscape around Positive Behavioural Support, including the Mental Capacity Act, and is described as compliant with CQC and Ofsted standards. It does not state that this specific training is a legal requirement, so employers should check what their own regulators and roles require.

Assessment and certificate
Learners complete a short multiple-choice quiz with a 70% pass mark and unlimited free resits. On successful completion, they can download a CPD-accredited digital certificate instantly and print it at home at no cost. A printed hard copy can also be requested, with UK delivery only. The course is delivered 100% online with instant access for 12 months.