Rather than an individual support service, Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) is a framework used by many Australian schools to support positive behaviour and create safe, respectful learning environments. It focuses on helping students understand what behaviour is expected while they learn and encouraging those behaviours through consistent guidance and reinforcement.
What is Positive Behaviour for Learning?
The Positive Behaviour for Learning framework is an evidence-based, whole-school approach that promotes positive behaviour and student wellbeing. It was developed to support positive behaviour throughout the school community and provides clear behaviour expectations for students across different settings, such as classrooms, playgrounds and shared spaces.
Staff work together to respond consistently to behaviour and recognise positive actions. Schools also use data to identify patterns and guide decision-making around behaviour support.
PBL in schools is a central component in shaping a positive culture, supporting most students with clear expectations, consistent teaching and positive reinforcement. Even though PBL is implemented across the educational environment and promotes a positive culture, some students with more complex behavioural needs may require additional individualised support beyond the framework.
Why PBL in Schools Matters
When schools adopt a Positive Behaviour for Learning framework, the benefits can be seen across many areas.
Improved Student Engagement and Learning
Clear behaviour expectations and consistent responses help students feel safe and supported at school. When behaviour is managed proactively, classrooms experience fewer disruptions, allowing students to stay more focused on learning.
Benefits for Teachers and School Staff
A shared framework like PBL in schools provides staff with consistent strategies for responding to behaviours of concern. This helps create a predictable and less confusing learning environment for students.
Stronger School Culture, Wellbeing and Inclusion
PBL encourages a positive school culture where respectful behaviour is recognised and reinforced. By promoting consistency and shared expectations, schools can support students’ wellbeing and foster a stronger sense of belonging.
The Role of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) in Schools
Although PBL supports many students, some may require more personalised support to manage behaviour, emotional regulation or participation in learning.
This is where Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) may be introduced. PBS is a person-centred, evidence-based approach that focuses on understanding the reasons behind behaviours of concern and developing strategies that help them to develop safer and more effective skills.
Unlike PBL, PBS is provided as individualised support delivered by qualified practitioners and may be funded through the NDIS for children and young people living with disability.
Schools and families may consider PBS when:
- Behaviour significantly impacts learning or classroom participation
- Emotional regulation difficulties lead to frequent distress or outbursts
- Behaviour affects relationships with peers or teachers
- Existing school strategies are not enough to support the student
PBS practitioners can work collaboratively with families and schools to develop Positive Behaviour Support Plans (PBSPs) and help ensure strategies are consistent across home and school environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
In many situations, yes. An NDIS PBS practitioner may attend school meetings where collaboration between families, schools and support providers would benefit the student.
This may include reviewing Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs), sharing practical strategies with teachers or helping ensure supports are consistent across the most important settings.
No. PBL is a whole-school framework, while a BSP is designed to support the needs of an individual student.
Some children and young people may benefit from both approaches. While schools continue implementing their PBL strategies, a BSP developed with a PBS practitioner can provide targeted support tailored to the students’ needs.
Positive Behaviour Support may be an option when behavioural issues persist despite the assistance already available in school with PBL.
Indicators may include ongoing emotional distress, frequent behavioural incidents, safety concerns or significant impacts on learning and relationships.
PBS focuses on understanding the underlying reasons for behaviour and helping the student to develop safer and more effective ways to communicate and cope with their feelings.
Creating Positive Change for Students
Supporting behaviour is about more than managing challenges. It’s about helping children and young people to develop the skills they need to succeed in learning and everyday life.
While school frameworks such as Positive Behaviour for Learning provide important foundations, some students may benefit from additional, individualised support through Positive Behaviour Support.
If you’d like to learn more about NDIS-funded PBS, the team at Outcomes Connect Australia is here to help. Contact us to discuss support options or call 1300 622 287 to speak with our team.