Testimonials

Schools INSET

"The Pivotal Education programme has had a significant impact on improving pupil/staff interactions and in establishing a calmer school."
HMI Inspection Report (Special Measures), Cornfield SEBD School

"The training day was well paced and appropriated. It was very effective and it met the needs of the group. Barry Stay, is an intelligent man with excellent communication skills."
Rory Wilson, Deputy Headteacher, East Barnet School

"I thought it was fun! Can you believe and I've been to many!! Shorter time but full on 15mins lunch! Great. Able to talk to individuals and reassure people about procedures. The training was brilliant will recommend to one and all. Barry is very experienced and knowledgeable with a SENSE OF HUMOUR! This suited us perfectly the trainer came having found out about our school and keen to make a tricky subject work for us. Very reassuring."
Deborah Metcalf, Headteacher, Danegrove Primary School

"The content was pitched at the right level of detail and the style of delivery made it accessible and engaging. There wasn’t anything I didn’t like. It was by far the best course as I have remembered so much of the info covered! Barry managed to treat very sensitive and crucial issue with a mixture of respect and humour, whilst ensuring everyone fully understood the seriousness of the subject. Barry's lively and very personal style of presenting was hugely effective. The pace of the session was well suited to the subject and to the time of year!"
Catherine Gunning, Deputy Headteacher, Danegrove Primary School

"I have no faults to find with the session. I have attended many cp courses and this was one I would like all my staff to have. The training was informative, thought provoking and action plan instigating. Barry is approachable, with warming people skills and knows his stuff. I feel this should be a session for all people with anything to do with the care of children.  It was clear and very useful. There can never be enough training on this. I would like to see it develop and become a compulsory training."
Jennifer David, Playscheme Manager

"Very thought provoking! Miller is knowledgeable and entertaining. Because of his experience with SEBD pupils he was the ideal trainer to deliver to our schools as he really understood our issues."
Claire McAlonan, Office Manager, Woodlands Community Primary College

"This course has met my particular training need in full. Engaging and challenging."
John Dyson, Headteacher, Westbury School

"The training provided depth of understanding in safeguarding and CP. The trainer, Miller Thomson, was knowledgeable, experienced and engaging."
John Marshall, Director of Learning, Richard Rose Academy

"The training was very useful and I now feel I am more aware and have increased knowledge and understanding about safeguarding. The trainer, Miller Thomson, was knowledgeable and passionate about his subject and presented what is a very sensitive area in a good way. The course was well planned and delivered throughout the day, we got through a lot in what was really just a few hours. Thank you."
Rebekah Atkins, Year 5 Teacher, Greengate Lane School

"I enjoyed the training and felt that I even though I have completed other safeguarding courses I still managed to learn something!"
Sally McConnell, Clerical Officer, Greengate Lane School

"The training exactly met the needs of the participants. Barry Stay, is very knowledgeable and an excellent teacher."
Sue Phillips, Head of Junior School, Guildford High School

"I thought Barry was very 'human' and had hands on experience which is nice to see in a trainer! He gave me some things to think about and change in my teaching! A good communicator who knew his stuff!"
Tanya Peake-Hutchins, KS2 Teacher, The British School of Alexandria

"Thank you so much for an excellent training day at Littlegreen. It was a super launch to the term. Staff are buzzing with ideas and feeling very positive about the boys’ return. Thanks again."
Sue Roberts, Headteacher, Littlegreen Special School (EBD), West Sussex

"I was both pleased and impressed to observe how you were able to lead the staff training in such a skilled and sensitive manner. The two days you facilitated were enjoyable, thought provoking and challenged all staff to reflect on their own practices."
Mr A.R.Wright - Head Teacher, Harborne Hill School, Birmingham

'Hugely enjoyable, it challenged all of us. The links you made between theory and practice helped us contextualise our future work'
Ray Priest, Headteacher, City Academy, Bristol

"An excellent day – time flew by!"
Sue Kulas, Teacher in Charge, Dudley PRUs

"The delivery was confident, informative and entertaining... It restored dented confidence and made me realise that I do know qute a lot already."
Rosemary Burslem, Teacher, Winchmore School, Enfield

"This was the best training I have done in a long while and although I consider myself to be quite skilled at behaviour management, I came away refreshed and inspired with new ideas about how to approach different situations. The training was outstanding and we are looking forward to future training with you."
Amanda Hurst, Assistant Headteacher, Winchmore School, Enfield

"Helen was one of the best facilitators I have ever seen. Her style of delivery was wonderful and so engaging and her interaction with the delegates was exceptionally good."
Noeline Hutchinson, Senior Family Support Worker for Youth Care Scheme/FAST Team, Bedfordshire

"Fantastic! I wish they taught this at teacher training. This will DEFINITELY help me in all aspects – I feel more confident and ready to teach anew!"
Course Delegate, Multi-Arts, Bristol

'Fresh, enthusiastic approach to behaviour management.'
'Good ideas explained in our language.'
Quinzone Delegates, Birmingham

"Inspirational… a profound effect on teachers and learners"
Chris Ollie, Senior Team Leader, Birmingham Advisory and Support Service

"Paul's courses are so much more interesting than others I have been on. The content is relevant to our school and ideas can be implemented straight into the classroom. There is a real buzz around the school after Paul's visits. The course gave me so many ideas which I know the children will respond well to. I thoroughly enjoyed the day."
Hannah Davis, Littlegreen Special School, Sussex

"The INSET gave much food for thought and was 'all inclusive'. I enjoyed the course immensely. It was a fabulous day and I will recommend Pivotal wholeheartedly without reservation to others."
Gareth Stealey, Deputy Headteacher, Winhills Primary School, Cambridgeshire

"I was very impressed by the whole experience. I have attended many training courses and sessions and this really was one of the best, if not THE best."
Lynn Rojek, Youth and Foster Carer, Bedford

"Pivotal’s Assessment model makes what we have to do human"
Jonothan Neelands, Senior Lecturer in Drama Education, Warwick University

"[Alan Davison] knew everything! I haven't attended any other course that I have enjoyed so much."
Louise Tebbett, Teaching Assistant, Quay Primary School, Bridlington

"Your training gives us a opportunity to speak… The staff were really pleased when they found out that you were leading the training"
A Teacher, Harborne Hill School, Birmingham

'Super day - lots of ideas for bringing active learning into my schemes'
Linda Davies, Senior Teacher, Broadway School

'Thank you for making the day so informative and purposeful. Thank you for ensuring that all were so actively engaged in the process! So deftly accomplished! It was a most positive experience'.
Nicholas Sullivan, Headteacher, East Park Infants School

"I just wanted to let you know how well the session led by Bill Gribble went for our training day on 18th February (2008). There was an overwhelmingly positive response from our staff and several have taken the trouble to speak to me in person to say how good it was and how useful they found it."
Niki Holbrook, Holy Family RC School, Keighley

'We hope that you found the experience as beneficial and rewarding as the trainees. Their responses have been very positive and appreciative of your expertise and experience.'
Simon Spencer, PGCE Secondary Course Director, UCE Birmingham

"The training was phenomenal - brilliant delivery."
Dr Uchenna I Oguchienti, Scitt Trainee, Chalvedon School, Essex

"Thought-provoking, inspiring and delivered in an entertaining way."
Paul Harris, Teaching and Learning Manager, Surrey Arts

"I thought that the course was invaluable - it is the best that I have ever attended. A fantastic combination of information and guidance and practical advice to apply to my teaching! Helen Day was superb."
Gill Underwood, Peripatetic Brass Tutor

"The course was very effective as there were many practical elements that we can use straight away."
Linda Statts, Assistant Headteacher, Milford Haven School, South Wales

"I absolutely love Paul's courses. He is inspirational. I would urge anyone associated with teaching to attend!"
Kirsten Webber, La Jolie Ronde Licensee

"I really enjoyed the course. It was very interesting and I learnt many new skills to put into practice."
Holly Lauchlan, Youth Worker, West Lavington Youth Club

"Barry was very approachable and interacted with us brilliantly. He is an excellent trainer."
Lewis Meola, Senior Learning Support Officer, Enfield Training Services

"I felt so at ease, well-fed, motivated and inspired - a great opportunity to reflect on my own practice. I got the Taking Care of Behaviour book and read half of it on the way home!"
Mel Heale, St Anselms College, Birkenhead

"On a course I was told that students have an in-built 'Bulls**t Detector' - so have I, which is why I liked Paul's style - honest and real."
Vicky Wilson, Queen Alexandra College, Birmingham

"This course gave me an excellent opportunity to reflect on my own practice and to see how to fit extra pieces into the jigsaw with the information from the day. This was an opportunity free from the hurly-burly of the school environment. Priceless!"
Simon Ross-Pearce, The Harwich School

"I haven't experienced any other behaviour training as good as this."
Will Shand, Headteacher, Oak Grove College (Special School)

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! What a fantastic day, Paul Dix delivered an excellent programme, a thoroughly enjoyable informative day; I can’t wait to attend the advanced course."
Steph Farquarson, Sandilands Primary School

'Really strong direction - not easy with adults! Well paced and practical. Thank you'
Joy Ostle, Ysgol Dyffyn, Conwy

"Thank you so much for such a great informative day. I have already implemented some of the strategies of good classroom management into my lessons and they have proven to be very effective. I have passed your name onto so many people, saying just how amazing your approach to managing behaviour is."
Irfaan Jason Rafiq, Shoeburyness High School, Essex

FE & HE INSET

"The training was really interesting and I am now motivated to try new stratagies. It was an excellent session. I really enjoyed the delivery as the facilatator was very interactive with everyone.  All tutors were discussing how this session has made an impact. Before the training, we had become complacent, but now with the Pivotal sessions, we are able to motivate and challenge students.  This training has helped us to get the best out of each individual student."
Tracey Waterhouse, Hairdressing Co-ordinator, Coleg Gwent

"The session was well-paced with a mixture of information and activities. The trainer was engaging and clear, illustrating points well with examples and anecdotes."
Margaret Cornick, LRC Manager, Bishop Burton College

"The training was very informative, the trainer was very good and kept it at a good pace, he involved the group throghout the day which was excellent."
Anne M Lipski, NVQ Assessor, Axia Solutions Ltd

"Alan made everyone feel comfortable and encouraged participation. He is highly experienced and knowledgeable with excellent rapport. The training was highly descriptive with plenty of relevant evidence. Perfect CPD - will raise our standards through increased understanding of the topic!"
Karen Riley, Director, Axia Solutions Ltd

"I enjoyed the course very much although I did not anticipate I would. The session was challenging, very informative and I have come away feeling more confident that I am following the correct procedures. The trainer, Dr Alan Davison, had excellent style of delivery, very knowledgeable a sound understanding of the subject with example to back up what was being said. This is the best training course that I have been on for a long time. Alan was happy to be questioned and able to respond and keep the session flowing in a way that kept everyone engaged. Thank you for as thoroughly informative day!"
Jenni Taylor, e2e Coordinator, YMCA training, Wythenshawe

"This was the best staff training day that has ever taken place."
Karen Dawson, Curriculum Area Manager, Writtle College

"The training was eye opening and exceptionally informative. Alan was brilliant tailoring the course to the needs of the people attending. This was a really interesting course which made you really think about situations in more depth. I have learned a great deal."
Fiona Lane, Senior Floristry Technician, Writtle College

"The training was detailed and interesting and most importantly, memorable! The trainer delivered the material well and made the audience feel confident about his wealth of knowledge."
Helen Planeta Paine, The Fashion Academy

"Comprehensive coverage of information needed. Alan was friendly, knowledgeable, inclusive, empowering. Great day of learning, lots of opportunities to ask questions in a supportive environment."
Heather Harte, Key Skills Co-ordinator, The Fashion Academy

"The training was very useful and inspirational and the trainer was well prepared. It was interesting, fun and...I learnt!!!"
Marita Horcajo, Course leader, Modern Languages, Northbrook College

"Barry used his own experience and sense of humour and mad a FUN way to learn. I took away a different view point about differentiation. This training has enabled me to expand and relate to my own practice. Inspiring and thought provoking, it has encouraged me to think out of the box. Style with a passion for teaching! Thank you."
Suzanne Charlesworth, Teacher and Assessor in Early Years, Northbrook College

"This was a great opportunity to develop skills and knowledge relevant to identifying indicators of abuse in children and vulnerable adults. The training was very informative and constructive. Barry is very knowledgeable in Safeguarding, has a warm, approachable and used lots of relevant experience in his delivery of the training. The training was very good.  I am now becoming more reflective of my role and responsibilities towards my learners regarding Safeguarding and developing strategies to cascade the knowledge and skills gained from the training to my staff. I am looking forward to the next training session!"
Juliana Onwukegu, Coordinator Learning Pathways, Hackney Community College

"The training day was enjoyable and informative. It has been an excellent opportunity to ask specific questions to meet own needs. We were provided with the opportunity to reflect on own practices and develop ways to improve. Alan Davison, is inspirational."
Bev Cleves, Head of Student Support Services, Hadlow College

"I have attended many training sessions on a variety of topics and I find the Pivotal Education training excellent and memorable."
Sue Lockwood, Senior Administrator, YMCA Training, Stockport

"Flexible, positive, realistic."
Julia Peacock-Baker, Advanced Lecurer in Foundation & Learner Inclusion, Stockport College

"This course was excellent and inspiring. I personally changed my approach in the very next lesson I taught and I could see the difference it made."
Susan Grout, Additional Learning Support Manager, Lambeth College

"Very helpful training, packed full of advice. This is one of the best training days I have been on. Very effective teacher with a very approachable manner."
Sarah Darling, Senior Lecturer, Emergency Care, Birmingham City University

"Helen provided an excellent example of an assertive teacher! I liked everything about the session. Very effective and well delivered."
Clair Brackstone, Lecturer, Birmingham City University

"The training was very good: interesting and stimulating. It was up there with the best. I really enjoyed the session."
Glenn Forster, Lecturer in Carperntry and Joinery, New Durham College

"The best staff development session I have ever attended."
Barry Poskett, Sports Lecturer, New Durham College

"The complete package was excellent. This is the most effective and enjoyable training course that I have ever attended. I can implement what I learnt immediately."
Janet Wilkinson, Lecturer in Foundation Studies for MLD, College of West Anglia

"The training was entertaining, informative, supportive and gave me loads of ideas. Very high quality of planning and extremely effective trainers."
Kathering Colcombe, Teaching and Learning Development Manager, Department of Technology, Northbrook College

"I really enjoyed the session, much more than I expected. This training session was actually my third choice for the day, but looking back now it should have been my first choice! One of the great things about the day was that the trainer, Chrissie, tailored the day to our needs and worked hard to make sure we all gained from her knowledge and experience."
Hannah Cook, Senior Student Services Officer, Havering College

"Helen Day obviously knows her subject. She is a very proficient deliverer and related well to everyone in the room (a mixed bunch with varying degrees of experience in the subject). The session moved along at a good pace, but we still had ample time to ask questions and discuss issues. Excellent!"
Sandra Wilson-Sutter, Lecturer, Lowestoft College

"It was far better than other courses I have attended - no other courses were so practical. A very thought-provoking experience."
Eliza Marcinowicz, Lecturer in ESOL and Modern Languages, Aberdeen College

"Teaching is a song and dance act mixed with education. Barry has this off to a tee! Great advice put over in a very positive way, with enthusiasm and humour."
Carole Coren, Graphic Design Course Leader, Northbrook College

"The session was well-managed, flowed and had good humour. It was very well presented and much more professional than any other course I have attended. If there were any other Pivotal courses on offer to me, I wouldn't hesitate to attend."
Kev Bland, Lecturer, Stephenson College

"The trainer, Barry Stay, had an excellent delivery style, modelling behaviour management as well as teaching it!"
James Summerhayes, Lecturer in Foundation Studies, Weston College

"The training was so informative and interesting: I thought it was excellent. I can't wait to get back to work and use my new knowledge."
Laura Healey, Trainee Tutor, South East Essex College

"This course was a 'God Send'! I thouroughly enjoyed the day."
Janet Coxon, Educational Support Worker, Derby College

"I went away feeling empowered and uplifted. A good place to be when staring a new term with learners!"
Samantha Emms, Learning Support Assistant, Walford and North Shropshire College

"Chrissie established a good atmosphere for learning immediately and it was maintained throughout the session."
Julie Vincent, Lecturer, Stockport College

"The session was inspiring and thought-provoking."
Christine Padgett, Careers Advisor, New Durham College

"I liked every aspect of the training. It was better than any other course I have attended."
Oby Oraedu, Lambeth College

"This was my third training session with Helen and I find her sessions clear and interesting. Her style is inspirational. Purely excellent.."
Erica Campbell, Lecturer, Lambeth College

"I really can't praise the training enough! As a new teacher I needed this on day one!"
Susan Taylor, Lecturer, Sport & Leisure, The College of West Anglia

"I couldn't fault it. It was fantastic!"
Claire Exley, Hairdressing Instructor, Newcastle College

"Paul is a natural at working the crowd and tailoring delivery to the group."
Donna Bright, Lecturer, Lincoln College

"I really enjoyed the training, Paul has a relaxed delivery style that allows everyone to take part."
Helen Murphy, Course Tutor, Lincoln College

"The trainer, Chrissie, was excellent at making everyone get involved and motivated. Great enthusiasm and excellent knowledge of the subject. Resources were varied and interesting. A great experience."
Victoria Markham, Lecturer, Boston College, Lincs

"I have ADD, but Chrissie managed to keep me engaged all day!"
Simon Goldberg, Lecturer in Computing, Boston College, Lincs

"Paul ran training for around a 100 teachers and classroom support staff at this Beacon Sixth form College. Sixth form colleges often have the reputation of being ‘blessed’ with mature, focused and well behaved young people – in comparison to schools. As we have an open access policy which means we ‘take a risk’ on many young people who have struggled at school – we are now experiencing a number of issues around challenging behaviour. This approach earned us a Grade 1 for Social and Educational Inclusion in our last Ofsted inspection and it is something we are very proud of. Paul also did a session with our vocational and level 2 staff on more advanced techniques – both sessions were very well received."
Julia Pollock, Staff Development Co-ordinator, John Leggott College, Scunthorpe, Lincs

"Excellent training event, stimulating and informative – by far the best I have attended for many years."
Alan Stockdale, Skills for Life Tutor, North Nottinghamshire College, Worksop

"Barry kept our attention and maintained engagement. There was a strong combination of theory and practical. The session gave me the confidence that the approach I am taking with my department is right. I was pleased to see the positive engagement of my staff with what was being said."
Carolyn Donegan, Head of Department, The College Rhymney

"I thoroughly enjoyed the whole day. Paul Dix is a highly motivational trainer with an inspirational style. At last - training that is fun as well as informative!
Clare Thornton, Lecturer, Northbrook College, Worthing, Sussex

"This training was valuable as it related specifically to teaching difficulties and provided strategies to overcome them. An excellent example of good lecturing."
Pauline Adams, Lecturer, Barnet College

"I have thoroughly benefited from my involvement with Pivotal. The Pivotal team have been an excellent resource. All aspects of the coaching and training have been excellent. Thank you for a positive, encouraging and supportive experience."
Chris Bailey, Lecturer, Barnfield College

"Pass on my thanks to Paul for the excellent delivery of his training day. I came back to work with renewed enthusiasm and have already tried some of his many strategies with some of my more difficult students and they really do work."
Susan Marshall, Lecturer, East Riding College

"Paul was absolutely brilliant! I usually get bored in training sessions but there was no time to get bored on this course. Paul kept me engaged all day. The content of the training was very valuable and I am using strategies from the course every day."
Barbara Francis, Lecturer, Harrow College

"Paul was an excellent presenter and I particularly liked that he spoke from experience as a practitioner and not just a theorist. He made everyone think about their practice and many of the strategies he reminded us of or introduced were often simple in concept but very effective in practice. What I particularly came away with was the confirmation that despite the often challenging behaviour we experience in schools and colleges what most of our students and pupils want is to be listened to and treated with respect and not be discriminated against as a group but treated as individuals with views that are worthy of discussion even if we disagree with them!"
Jennie Davis, Teaching Assistant, Macclesfield College

"Paul Dix is a Superstar - I have learnt so much from this course. The best behaviour course I have been on. I have some great ideas for Sept - Can't wait to use them. Paul keeps you engaged the whole day!"
Natalie Amos, Lecturer, West Herts College

"I am always skeptical when attending these sort of courses, the trainer usually drones on and on about topics we all ready know, this was not the case with Paul. I must admit this is one of, if not the best course I have been on, and I would not hesitate to recommend your company to others."
Trevor Drury, Lecturer, Wilberforce College

"The course was extremely stimulating and used current legislation and recent classroom examples to look at relevant issues in behaviour management. The training was proactive and practical – not just sitting and listening as so many training sessions are. The use of role-play was excellent and helped me see situations from the student’s perspective. Since the course, I have altered my body language when talking to young people and consciously think about how I speak to them. I found the course very useful."
Stephanie Walsh, Bedford College

"Just to say that the course I attended on Monday was most helpful and inspirational. No time was wasted as the delivery was brisk and to the point. I have been teaching in further and higher education for over 20 years and in that time have attended numerous seminars, but Monday's course was one of the most informative and useful. "
Jean Mitchell, Lecturer, Bromley College

"A very good session. Chrissie conveyed an obvious mastery of her subject without recourse to flashy techniques such Powerpoint or too much role play. She has a very friendly and unthreatening style"
Mark Dellar, Resource Centre, The College of North West London

"Chrissie is a very powerful communicator. She made the course come alive for every member in the class. Everything was interactive, relevant to our particular situation and lively, yet humorous. The training was excellent! The day went so quickly. Thanks to Chrissie."
Mr Charles Engola, Deputy Learning Resource Centre Manager, The College of North West London

"Very experienced and knowledgeable trainer, incredibly interesting to hear his stories, made me realise that is just careful use of language required for behaviour modification in the classroom. This training session was up there with the best of them!"
Claudine Sutton, Lecturer, Derby College

"This is probably the best and most useful personal development that I have undertaken since I started teaching. I thoroughly enjoyed it."
Billie Welford, Lecturer, Derby College

"I would like to thank Alan for his role modelling of the behaviour, which I feel made it such a success. He was well planned and had excellent command of the subject he was teaching. I hope that I get the opportunity to experience further training that he offers. He answers the questions honestly and with real ideas that you can try in your own teaching and with students. An excellent training session that more than met my needs. This training was much better than other events I have attended"
Sally Kirk, Lecturer, Derby College

"The training was excellent. Bill had a very engaging delivery style and his experience in the classroom really helped to translate theory into practice for me. I know that he had a big impact on the delegates and that the training gave many staff a boost of confidence in dealing with behaviour."
Anne Dunkley, Staff Development Officer, Dewsbury College

"Enlightening and thought provoking. Important matters and situations were discussed. There was something of interest and help for everyone. Most people could identify in some way with the various topics of discussion, and it would be difficult not to learn something new as a result of this course."
Rosemary Wallis, Librarian, Godalming College

"The training was very motivating. The content was relevant, interesting and helpful and was delivered in an enthusiastic manner by a competent and professional trainer who had a host of experience to share. The best training I have attended this year, by far. Thank you!"
Susan King, Key Skills Lecturer, Great Yarmouth College

"I would like to say that the training session was great stuff. The whole session had something for everyone and was very real. So I would like to thank whoever managed to find Bill and would fully recommend to anyone that did not get the opportunity to go see, listen and learn. Many thanks and money very well spent. Excellent day full of practical examples and strategies"
Tracey Mace, Human Resources, Grimsby Institute of FE

"The trainer’s style of delivery was excellent. Helen made the content very digestible and interesting. I left the session very motivated and positive about the next twelve months teaching. Arguably the best staff development this academic year."
Stacey Venables, Lecturer, Halesowen College

"The best training that I have attended in the last 10 years. Thank you!"
Lecturer, New Durham College

"This course was in a different league to others I have attended. The presenter's knowledge and experience was used very effectively to illustrate this vast subject and to identify real people in real situations. I could have done with this training twenty years ago!"
David Chalmers, Hospitality Lecturer, North Nottinghamshire College

"I found this session both motivating and inspiring. Chrissie is obviously a highly skilled individual who makes learning accessible and enjoyable. I also felt empathy emanating from her which made the session more personal and pertinent. It was the most useful and enjoyable session I have ever attended on an inset day."
Karen Walker, Lecturer, Northampton College

"I've done fourteen years in the TA infantry, fifteen years on building sites and now I teach kids from deprived areas of Derbyshire how to become bricklayers. I thought I had it sussed using military training techniques and common sense - remain cool, be fair, firm and friendly, see things on the learners' level. I didn't realise there was so much more that could be done, and for so little cost in effort. Great seminar!"
Derek Stanton, Lecturer, South East Derbyshire College

"This was my day off but I thought attending would be beneficial. How right I was, an outstanding, motivating and thoroughly enjoyable experience. Excellent!"
Cathy Elson, Lecturer, Tamworth and Lichfield College

"Clearly Dr Davison knows what he's talking about and is able to convey relevant information with anecdotal interludes which assist understanding. I was very tired, after a long year and a demanding week, when I entered the session. It wasn't long before I perked up and my attention was held. I'm glad I had the opportunity to attend. This is the first staff training this year that has been relevant and enjoyable."
Lynne Brindley, Lecturer, Thurrock and Basildon College

"To get pro-active, constructive and realistic advice in how to anticipate and cope with 'challenging' learners, from someone who evidently REALLY knew his stuff and had 'been-there-done-that', was a breath of fresh air!"
Matt Trow, Lecturer, West Nottinghamshire College

"This is the best training session I have attended. Alan Davison knew a lot about his subject and delivered it well. His delivery kept my attention and his questioning was provocative and insightful. This is a course that I would recommend to everybody."
Kelly Wheeler, Lecturer, Weston College

"The training helped to refresh the skills I once had but had begun to doubt... I had been thinking of leaving teaching recently because it was beginning to feel staid and flat. This has given me the buzz I needed; thanks very much."
Elaine Wood, Lecturer, Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth 1 College

'The trainer was inspirational and helped me to re-evaluate my practice. Professional and very well informed..'
'The training has been extremely useful. I feel I am able to improve practice and that teaching and learning will be a better experience for my team and the students.'
Totally Inclusive Education Delegates, Derbyshire

"Everything Paul said made sense he really seems to understand how difficult our jobs can be."
Course Delegate, Bridgend College
 

Books and Tips

"This book [Taking Care of Behaviour] is comprehensive and practical and provides teachers with immediate help in dealing with disruptive behaviour... [Paul Dix] manages to address the issues and offer workable solutions that leave you wondering why you hadn't tried it before; such is the simplicity of his advice...This book offers a concrete plan of action based on techniques of self evaluation and social interaction. This is highly recommended reading for NQTs and has much to offer even the seasoned practitioner; it provides simple clear advice on how to be the 'best' kind of teacher."
Gillian Long, TES Website, Jan 2008

"Helpful advice on involving parents and managing extreme behaviour...Sensible, consistently practical and reassuring"
Taking Care of Behaviour Review, Times Educational Supplement, May 2007

"This is such a comprehensive book and very readable. It's clearly laid out with a consistent format and an index, which makes it easy to find specific and relevant information. With meaningful quotes, clearly defined anecdotal examples, actions to take, exercises, key ideas if you just want a quick pointer and action plans it ticked all the boxes for me. The approach is so reasonable and pupil centered and all about relationships. I also like the way it examines teacher behaviours and it made me reflect on the messages many other aspects of my school were giving to children. It has made me much more conscious of my ability to control situations. This book is a really useful working tool with space for notes and stuff on the CD to print out to support positive action."
Zofia Karol, Landford School, Wiltshire, England

"…senior staff and TAs…were all very impressed by the idea of a book specifically for teaching assistants"
"I definitely think that there is a need for this book to aid the teaching assistant, both in and out of the classroom"
"I very much enjoyed reading Paul’s book and was totally engaged throughout"
"If only Paul’s book had been on the shelves…when I was appointed to my current post"
Comments from Preview Reviewers of Taking Care of Behaviour: A Learning Support Assistant's Guide

"Your Behaviour Management Tips have been wonderful and immensely helpful to me. Thank you"
Cyprian Alozie, Teacher, Egypt

"Thanks so much for all the useful and wonderful tips so far. I am putting them in practice and they are working really well for me."
Stellamairs Etor, French Teacher

"Thank you for your excellent series of newsletters – as a Senior Leader in a large secondary school I have been able to develop and share much of your good practice with colleagues. As a result I have had some very good feedback and witnessed for myself colleagues using these strategies. Please pass on my thanks to Paul."
Darren Priestley, Assistant Headteacher, Anglo European School, Ingatestone, England

"Just wanted to send an email to say thanks for the brilliant tips. I've been getting them for a while and saving them and I have just took some time to re-read them. They are fantastic."
Lynsey West, Head of Drama and Media, The Chafford School, Rainham, England

"Just to say thanks very much for the free tips, am finding them really interesting, please keep them coming!"
Amy Clelland, Family Resilience and Advocacy Service, Glasgow, Scotland

"Just wanted to say how brilliant these tips are - thank you!"
Dorothy Reich, Northmoor Trust, Oxford, England

"Many thanks for these. We like these tips so much, we’ve just hired Paul Dix to come and deliver a session at our summer staff development programme."
Lesley Graham, Hertford Regional College, England