Every half-term, The Essential Safeguarding Company host an online SAFEGUARDING SPOTLIGHT, a space for professionals in education and safeguarding to come together for thought-provoking, practical sessions that enhance our understanding and practice. Our most recent spotlight took place on Friday, 4 April at 10am and featured a powerful masterclass led by behaviour consultant Mandy Wilton, titled ‘Regulating Our Behaviour‘.
In this session, Mandy introduced key concepts and techniques to help us better understand the role of adult behaviour in shaping interactions and responses within our professional and personal lives. Drawing on her extensive experience in behaviour and education, Mandy explored the importance of self-regulation—our ability to manage our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in ways that are both constructive and responsive to the environments we work in.
Participants were invited to reflect on how we, as adults, model and practice self-regulation in our day-to-day roles. A significant emphasis was placed on the importance of adults being regulated themselves in order to best support children. When the adults around them are calm, consistent, and emotionally attuned, children are far more likely to feel safe, understood, and supported in learning to manage their own behaviour. We thought about how we ‘bring the weather into the classroom’ and how our moods are contageous – definately food for thought!
A core part of the session also focused on what children need in order to begin developing their own self-regulation skills. Mandy guided us through an exploration of the foundational elements—such as consistent relationships, emotional safety, co-regulation with trusted adults, and clear boundaries—that support children in learning how to manage their own emotions and behaviours over time. Understanding these needs allows educators and caregivers to provide more targeted, compassionate support.
The session offered practical strategies for increasing awareness of our own behavioural patterns, managing emotional triggers, and fostering positive interactions. It challenged us to consider not just how we support the regulation of children and young people, but also how our own behaviours, and emotional responses play a vital role in co-regulation, creating safe, supportive, and effective environments.
This was a rich and insightful session for anyone looking to enhance their communication and empathy, deepen their self-awareness, and better support others.
One of the biggest takeaways? ‘If we teach behaviour, everything else follows’.
Thank you so much, Mandy!