De-escalation training for school staff
A three-hour, in-person CPD session for school staff, from class teachers and TAs to pastoral leads and SLT.
About the training
Most conflict in schools doesn't announce itself. It builds: a pupil who's been struggling all morning, a parent who arrives at the gate already angry, a conversation with a colleague that tips the wrong way.
This session gives school staff the tools and the confidence to respond more effectively, and to feel less alone in those situations.
"The day enabled us to explore conflict, humanised the issue and gave us food for thought, opening an avenue for healthy management. We're in a better place now to deal with conflict should it arise."
Why choose WMS?
What the de-escalation training covers
The session uses scenarios drawn from school life, with time to discuss, reflect and practise.
Duration: 3 hours.
Group size: Up to 40.
Format: Circle-based, interactive and non-judgemental. Delivered in person.
CPD: Accredited from September 2026, offering 3 CPD points per participant.
Delivered by: Professional mediators and experienced facilitators.
The training sits alongside RSHE, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and statutory guidance on suspensions and exclusions, reinforcing what schools are already expected to do rather than adding to the workload.
What staff will take away
- A better understanding of what sits underneath anger, refusal and confrontation - triggers, unmet needs and the role of the teenage brain.
- Insight into their own responses in moments of conflict, including unconscious bias.
- Practical tools they can use straight away: body language, environment, verbal techniques and LEAP.
- I-statements and echo listening to help repair things after conflict.
- A clearer sense of when to involve pastoral, safeguarding or senior staff, and when mediation might help.
A stand-alone session or part of something bigger
This session works well on its own, giving staff a shared language and practical tools for managing difficult moments.
It also sits naturally alongside our other school programmes, for schools that want a more consistent, whole-school approach to conflict and behaviour.
An 8-week, games-based programme for Y7–11 pupils at risk of exclusion, delivered in small groups during school hours.
A drama-based, 55-minute session for whole year groups in KS3, teaching pupils how to recognise and regulate anger.
What participants say
"Great, practical session - emphasis on the practical."
"The iceberg analogy was a very helpful visual - I'll keep it in mind when having a challenging conversation."