Behaviours that Challenge Course

Behaviours that Challenge – Online Course

Course overview
This one-hour online course explores behaviours that challenge, the factors that may contribute to them and ways to provide appropriate, person-centred support. Learners examine potential physical, emotional, psychological, communication and environmental influences, alongside strategies for recognising triggers, assessing behaviour and planning supportive responses. The course introduces Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), with an emphasis on promoting dignity, independence and quality of life while minimising restrictive interventions wherever possible. The course is CPD accredited.

Please note: This course provides introductory knowledge to support awareness and good practice when working with behaviours that challenge. It does not replace practical training, specialist qualifications or any regulated or role-specific training an employer may require.

What the course covers
• Understanding behaviours that challenge and their possible causes
• The relationship between challenging behaviour and mental health
• Recognising different forms of behaviour that may present risks
• Running off and factors that may contribute to this behaviour
• Teaching skills and planning support to reduce the risk of running off
• Equipment that may help manage risks at home and in the community
• Supporting people who display self-injurious behaviour
• Understanding pica and polydipsia
• Responding to spitting and behaviours of a sexual nature that may cause concern
• Identifying appropriate responses to behaviours that challenge
• Understanding the stages of behaviour
• Assessing behaviour and identifying setting events
• Principles of Positive Behaviour Support
• Developing and creating Positive Behaviour Support Plans

Who is it for?
This course is suitable for professionals and support staff who work with children, young people or adults whose behaviour may present challenges or indicate unmet needs. It is particularly relevant to:
• Healthcare professionals and nurses
• Care assistants and healthcare assistants
• Support workers and senior carers
• Residential care and domiciliary care staff
• Learning disability professionals
• Autism support practitioners
• Mental health support staff
• Education professionals and school support teams
• Community support workers
• Managers and supervisors responsible for care quality and behaviour support

The training may be useful in healthcare, social care, residential care, education and community settings. It can support induction, refresher learning and knowledge enhancement where the content is appropriate to the learner’s responsibilities.

Practical benefits
• Develop a better understanding of why behaviours that challenge may occur
• Recognise potential physical, emotional, communication and environmental triggers
• Apply person-centred principles when considering support strategies
• Improve awareness of proactive approaches to behaviour support
• Understand how behaviour assessment can inform support planning
• Promote dignity, independence and quality of life
• Support more consistent responses across care and support teams
• Understand approaches intended to reduce reliance on restrictive interventions
• Strengthen knowledge relevant to safe and compassionate support
• Obtain a CPD-accredited certificate following successful completion of the assessment

What learners will be able to do
• Explain key concepts associated with behaviours that challenge
• Identify factors that may contribute to challenging behaviour
• Recognise common behaviours and situations that may create risks
• Understand the possible relationship between behaviour, mental health and unmet needs
• Identify potential triggers and setting events
• Explain the purpose of behaviour assessment
• Understand how Positive Behaviour Support principles can inform practice
• Recognise the importance of teaching skills and planning preventative support
• Understand the role of Positive Behaviour Support Plans
• Communicate appropriately with colleagues and others involved in a person’s support
• Recognise when further advice, reporting or escalation may be needed
• Promote dignity, independence and person-centred care within their role

Is this training a legal requirement?
There is no single UK law requiring every worker to complete this specific Behaviours that Challenge course. However, employers have responsibilities to provide appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision to help staff work safely and competently.

Relevant legislation and guidance include the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. NICE guideline NG11 also provides guidance on preventing and responding to challenging behaviour in people with learning disabilities.

Employers should assess training needs in relation to staff roles, the people they support and the risks associated with their work. Completing this course may contribute to professional development, but it should not be assumed to meet every workplace or regulatory training requirement.

Assessment and certificate
The course is delivered online and takes approximately one hour to complete. Learners complete an online multiple-choice assessment. Following successful completion, they receive an instant digital certificate. The course is CPD accredited and can support continuing professional development, induction, refresher training and knowledge enhancement where relevant to the learner’s role.