For principals, special education teachers and SNAs
Behaviour support and training for your school
Practical support that fits the Department's 2024 guidelines on behaviours of concern. Led by a Chartered Behavioural Psychologist (PSI) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Starts with a short call about your service, your team and your timelines.
- Chartered Behavioural Psychologist (PSI)
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
- Support for one pupil, with a written Student Support Plan
- Staff training using Croke Park hours or in-service days
- Courses for teachers, SNAs and parents
Preschools, special schools, mainstream schools with special classes, and mainstream primary and post-primary schools.
What we offer
Three ways we help teachers and SNAs
Support for one pupil
We observe in class, find out what is driving the behaviour, and write a Student Support Plan with you and the parents. Then we coach the teacher and SNA, and check in by email after 3 months, with a call if any concerns come up.
Staff training
After-school sessions for teachers and SNAs together, using Croke Park hours, half days, or full in-service days.
Courses
Evening courses for teachers, SNAs and parents, and summer EPV courses for primary teachers. See EPV courses 2027.
Staff training
Training that fits the 2024 guidelines
Each session links to the Department's guidance Understanding Behaviours of Concern and Responding to Crisis Situations (Circular 0081/2024, updated by Circular 0042/2026).
| Session | What it covers | In the guidelines |
|---|---|---|
| Understanding behaviours of concern | Why behaviour happens, what it communicates, and where each pupil sits on the Continuum of Support. | Section 2: Understanding and responding |
| Student Support Plans that work | Personalised, multi-part plans written with parents: proactive changes, skills to teach, calm responses. | Section 2: Student Support Plans |
| Preventing escalation | Spotting early signs, adjusting the environment, and responding calmly before a crisis. | Sections 2 and 3 |
| After an incident | Staff reflection, meeting the parents, recording, and reporting to the NCSE. | Section 3: Recording and reporting |
Understanding behaviours of concern
- What it covers
- Why behaviour happens, what it communicates, and where each pupil sits on the Continuum of Support.
- In the guidelines
- Section 2: Understanding and responding
Student Support Plans that work
- What it covers
- Personalised, multi-part plans written with parents: proactive changes, skills to teach, calm responses.
- In the guidelines
- Section 2: Student Support Plans
Preventing escalation
- What it covers
- Spotting early signs, adjusting the environment, and responding calmly before a crisis.
- In the guidelines
- Sections 2 and 3
After an incident
- What it covers
- Staff reflection, meeting the parents, recording, and reporting to the NCSE.
- In the guidelines
- Section 3: Recording and reporting
Evening course · running now
Why children do what they do
A 10-week, skills-based course for parents, teachers, SNAs, carers, coaches and youth workers. Led by Catherine (Katie) Smyth, BCBA, C.Psychol., Ps.S.I.
By the end, you'll be able to:
- Understand why behaviours occur and what children are communicating
- Teach new skills that build independence and regulation
- Respond with confidence when behaviour is hard
- Use reinforcement meaningfully
- Reduce stress and increase positive interactions
- Where
- Scoil Mhuire Adult Education, Clane
- When
- From 7 October 2026, Wednesdays, 7pm to 9pm
- Length
- 10 weeks
- Course no.
- 5020
Book through Scoil Mhuire: clanesm.com or 045 868255.
Register interest for the next courseHow we work
Support for one pupil, step by step
Scoping call
We talk with the principal or SET coordinator about the pupil and what has been tried.
Consent and observation
With the parents' written consent and the school's approval, we observe in class and, if helpful, at home.
Student Support Plan
Written with you and the parents, in plain language your staff can use.
Coaching and check-in
We coach the teacher and SNA, then check in by email after 3 months, with a call if any concerns come up.
How it's priced
- Quoted case by case. Sessions or days at our standard rate, plus any written reports.
- Travel at mileage rates from Donadea, Co. Kildare.
- Office days: group several cases on one day at your office, and travel is charged once.
- Simple invoicing: purchase order first, one invoice a month, payment within 30 days.
Working with The Behaviour Hive has been an incredibly positive experience for our classroom team. The support, guidance and practical strategies provided have made a huge difference, not only for the child we were supporting but for the overall classroom environment. Since receiving support, we have seen significant improvements in regulation, transitions, communication and engagement throughout the school day. The strategies were realistic, easy to implement and tailored to the child's individual needs. The team made us feel supported, listened to and understood every step of the way. Their input has genuinely helped create a calmer, happier and more positive environment for everyone involved, and we are extremely grateful for all their help.
Maria, SEN Teacher, Dublin
A former client. We asked for this feedback at the end of our work together.
Credentials and safeguarding
- Chartered Behavioural Psychologist (PSI)
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
- Garda vetted
- Professional indemnity insurance up to €6.5 million
- Children First trained (July 2026)
Questions
Questions from schools
Is this the same as NEPS support?
No. We work alongside NEPS and your school's own Continuum of Support. Where NEPS has made recommendations for a pupil, we can help you put them into practice.
Who pays for support for one pupil?
Usually the parents, with the school's agreement. Schools can also pay. Either way, we need the parents' written consent before we work with a pupil.
Do you provide physical intervention training?
No. Our training focuses on understanding behaviour and preventing escalation. The Department's approved physical intervention training is arranged through the NCSE.
Can you train our whole staff after school?
Yes. Many schools use Croke Park hours for a 1.5 to 2 hour session for teachers and SNAs.
Get in touch
Tell us what your school needs
Prefer to talk it through?
Call 045 574 041, Mon–Fri, 09:00–18:00. Or email info@thebehaviourhive.com.
Request a scoping call