Graham Chatterley's book asks adults to understand what causes and motivates challenging behaviour, moving the emphasis away from punishment and towards empathy and teaching behaviour.

Key Takeaways:

Behaviour as Communication:

Graham emphasises that challenging behaviour is often a symptom of deeper stress or unmet needs. By understanding the underlying causes, educators can better support students.

Strategies for Change:

The book provides practical strategies and case studies for building positive learning environments, addressing trauma, and helping students with conditions like autism.

Relationships and ethos:

This approach prioritises building strong relationships, promoting a shared ethos, and placing a strong focus on student well-being.

What do we think:

"Changing Perceptions" challenges us to create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. There's a lot of information to take in, but if you're seeking a more compassionate and effective way to address behavioural challenges, this book has many ideas for you to tap into.

What the book covers

The publisher's description names these topics:

  • why teaching behaviour matters, rather than only managing it
  • common causes of challenging behaviour: fear, stress, anxiety and feeling overwhelmed
  • de-escalation, which it treats as only part of the process, and practical ways to "stop the conflict spiral"
  • validating feelings, building self-esteem and emotional resilience
  • raising expectations and fostering positive values

The publisher also says the approach supports staff wellbeing. These are the author's claims; the book does not replace a school's behaviour policy.

Who it is for

Class teachers, pastoral and inclusion staff, and senior leaders reviewing how their behaviour policy treats pupils whose behaviour reflects stress or unmet need. Leaders should read it alongside the DfE's Behaviour in schools guidance and Mental health and behaviour in schools, which set out what the school's policy must cover.

About the book

  • Author: Graham Chatterley, a former school leader who now trains staff across the North of England (publisher biography).
  • Publisher: Crown House Publishing. Paperback, June 2023, 282 pages; also an ebook.
  • ISBN: 9781785836756.

Source: Crown House Publishing listing, checked 13 October 2026.