Abstract

Young people with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties (BESD - sometimes called 'SEBD' or 'EBD') need effective and consistent support, yet providing this can be highly stressful and demanding for the practitioners involved. Complete with practical intervention strategies based on research, theory and practice, this comprehensive handbook provides practitioners with the information and tools they need to deal with BESD in a way that is of benefit to them as well as to the children they work with.

The book begins by expanding the reader's general understanding of BESD in children. The authors examine the underlying causes, explore what can be learned from past experience, and discuss research-based theory. They then offer a range of interventions and therapies for use in and out of school, and encourage practitioners to develop skills such as engaging with parents, identifying special educational needs and setting constructive boundaries. Finally, the needs of practitioners themselves are addressed. The authors advise on how to collaborate productively with other professions and stress the importance of supporting colleagues and developing the personal resilience needed to cope in difficult circumstances.

Wide-ranging, accessible and current, this guide will be an invaluable resource for the professional development of teachers and other practitioners working with young people with BESD/SEBD in educational settings.

Ted Cole was until recently a Director of the Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties Association (SEBDA), and is a Visiting Research Fellow at the School of Education, University of Bath. He is also co-editor of the journal 'Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties', published by Routledge. Barbara Knowles is Executive Director of SEBDA, and previously worked as Deputy Head and Acting Head of an inner-city secondary school in Manchester. Her career has been devoted to working with disadvantaged and often challenging children.
This is a useful addition to a series of books relating to difficult-to-reach young people published by Jessica Kingsley. The authors have experience in and enthusiasm for a subject that should interest most professionals who work with young people. While the book's title describes children with "complex difficulties", many of the ideas and programmes summarised have relevance to all professionals; as well as being perfect reading for those practitioners newly introduced to the field, it provides an excellent overview of "what's out there" for more experienced professionals.
Children & Young People Now
Ted Cole and Barbara Knowles have written a practical volume for teachers...The authors cover patterns of educational provision, child development, whole-school influences, interventions, well-being and mental health, support beyond the work setting and working with parents and carers.
Nasen Special
This will be a welcome resource as part of professional development for practitioners in both mainstream and special schools working with children with BESD. It will provide a useful audit of practice; perhaps reminding practitioners of what they are doing well. It will serve as an introduction to other interventions that may be new to them. EPs should not hesitate in reading it themselves, or recommending to colleagues in schools, especially those with responsibility with BESD.
Debate