Creating Positive Learning Environments with Team Teach and PB4L School-Wide

At Team Teach, we are often asked whether our training aligns with schools and kura already using Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) approaches like PB4L School-Wide. The short answer is yes!

Team Teach and PBS share a strong foundation in understanding behaviour, fostering positive relationships, and creating safe, supportive learning environments. Rather than working in isolation, these approaches complement each other, providing both the broader framework and the practical strategies needed to support ākonga effectively.

What is Team Teach training?

Team Teach is an internationally recognised training programme designed to reduce risk, restraint, and the use of restrictive practices. We equip staff with a practical toolkit to support ākonga, while maintaining a calm, respectful, and safe environment.

At its core, Team Teach helps educators and school staff:

• Understand the reasons behind behaviour, consider the impact of prior experiences, and respond appropriately and effectively to individual need.
• Focus on de-escalation techniques to prevent incidents from escalating.
• Use physical interventions only as a last resort, ensuring safety and maintaining mana for all.
• Work within a values-based, team-focused approach that prioritises the wellbeing of both ākonga and staff and nurtures environments that are supportive, inclusive and culturally responsive.

What is PB4L School-Wide?

PB4L School-Wide is a framework that fosters a positive, proactive school culture by embedding community values and shaping the environment, systems, and practices to promote consistent, positive behaviour and support student engagement, participation, and learning. It emphasises teaching expected behaviours, acknowledging positive actions, and using data to guide decisions that strengthen wellbeing and academic success.

Based on international research, PB4L School-wide strategies are tailored to each kura’s culture, aligning with the strengths, needs, and identities of tamariki, kaiako, and whānau.

PB4LSW follows a tiered intervention approach from universal, whole school support systems that benefit all students, to more targeted or individualised interventions for students who need additional support.

How PB4L School-Wide and Team Teach work together

Team Teach complements the structured framework and principles of PB4L School-Wide by providing practical strategies for kaiako and staff to build strong, caring relationships and respond effectively in escalating situations. Together, they offer the ‘why,’ the ‘how,’ and the ‘what’ for creating a safe and engaging learning environment.

Some key shared values between PB4L School-Wide and Team Teach include:

• Fostering a positive kura culture where whakawhanaungatanga, participation and engagement are prioritised.
• Understanding behaviour as a form of communication, rather than simply reacting to it.
• Empowering kaiako and kaiawhina with knowledge and tools to prevent and respond to situations.
• Minimising the use of restraint and focusing on proactive, supportive approaches.
• Developing our understanding of neurodiversity and recognising and celebrating different ways of being.

Implementing PB4L School-Wide and Team Teach in kura

For kura already using PB4L School-Wide, incorporating Team Teach can enhance this approach by providing staff with additional skills in de-escalation, crisis prevention, and post-incident reflection. Team Teach is particularly beneficial for ākonga requiring more targeted or individualised layers of support, where staff may encounter higher-risk behaviours and need to ensure safety for everyone.

Additionally, the combined use of PB4L School-Wide and Team Teach aligns well with the Ministry of Education’s guidelines which emphasise prevention, positive interventions, and reducing the use of restraint.

A holistic approach to student success

The best outcomes for ākonga happen when kura take a comprehensive, values-driven approach to behaviour and learning. Team Teach and PB4L School-Wide both contribute to building a culture of respect, safety, and engagement, helping tamariki and rangatahi feel supported in their learning journey.

Used together, these two frameworks provide a strong foundation for kura to create positive, proactive learning environments where both tamariki and staff can thrive, guided by whakawhanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and respect for the mana of every individual.

Please get in touch any time if you’d like help with behaviour in your organisation.