Starting school is a big milestone, and while many children find their feet after the first few weeks, others may continue to struggle. If your child is finding it hard to settle into school, you’re not alone – and there is support available.

At LiveBig, we often work with families who expected things to improve over time, but instead are noticing ongoing challenges like reluctance to attend school, big emotional reactions, or difficulties in the classroom. Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) can help make sense of what’s happening and provide practical, supportive ways forward.

What is Positive Behaviour Support?

Positive Behaviour Support is a gentle, evidence-informed approach that focuses on understanding why a child behaves the way they do, rather than trying to simply stop the behaviour.

Instead of asking, “How do we fix this?”, PBS looks deeper:

  • What is the child trying to communicate?
  • What is making school feel difficult for them?
  • How can we support them to feel more confident and secure?

For young children, behaviour is often their way of expressing needs or feelings they don’t yet have the words for.

When children aren’t settling into school

Even after the initial transition period, some children may continue to find school challenging. You might notice:

  • Ongoing resistance or distress about going to school
  • Meltdowns before or after the school day
  • Difficulty managing routines or following instructions
  • Challenges with friendships or social situations
  • Withdrawal, anxiety, or appearing overwhelmed

These behaviours are not a sign that a child is being ‘naughty’ – they are often a sign that something isn’t working for them.

How Positive Behaviour Support can help

1. Understanding what’s really going on

PBS starts by building a clear picture of the child’s experience. A Behaviour Support Practitioner will look at:

  • When the challenges happen
  • What is happening just before and after
  • The child’s communication, emotional, and sensory needs

For example, a child may be struggling not because they don’t want to learn, but because the classroom feels too noisy, transitions are unclear, or expectations feel overwhelming.

2. Bringing consistency and predictability

If school still feels uncertain, strengthening routines can make a big difference. PBS strategies might include:

  • Visual schedules to show what the day looks like
  • Simple, consistent instructions
  • Clear expectations across home and school

This helps children feel more prepared and less anxious about what’s coming next.

3. Building skills, not just managing behaviour

Rather than focusing on stopping behaviours, PBS supports children to learn new skills that help them cope at school, such as:

  • Asking for help when they need it
  • Managing changes between activities
  • Understanding and expressing emotions
  • Building early social skills

Over time, these skills help children feel more capable and confident.

4. Making changes that support success

Sometimes, small adjustments can make school feel more manageable. This might include:

  • Access to a quiet or calm space
  • Sensory supports like fidget tools or headphones
  • Extra time or support during transitions

PBS works collaboratively with families and schools to find practical changes that support the child without overwhelming them.

5. Working together with families and schools

When a child is not settling, it’s important that everyone around them is working together. LiveBig practitioners partner with:

  • Parents and carers
  • Teachers and school staff
  • Support coordinators

This ensures strategies are consistent and supportive across all environments.

A supportive way forward

If your child is still finding school difficult weeks or even months in, it’s important to know that this can be worked through. With the right support, children can build the confidence and skills they need to feel more comfortable and engaged at school.

Positive Behaviour Support offers a kind, practical approach that looks beyond behaviour and focuses on helping children feel understood, supported, and capable.

How LiveBig can help

LiveBig’s Behaviour Support Practitioners are experienced in helping children who are finding it hard to settle into school. We take the time to understand your child’s unique needs and create personalised strategies that support real, lasting change.

If school isn’t going as smoothly as you’d hoped, we’re here to help you and your child find a more positive path forward. Get in touch with us here.