Creating a capable environment to reduce behaviours of concern
A capable environment helps children feel safe, included and able to participate in everyday life. Small changes can reduce stress, build confidence and help children develop new skills.
Children thrive when the people, places and activities around them support their needs.
This page is based on LIFT’s adaptation of Peter McGill’s evidence based Capable Environments model to help families and other professionals reduce behaviours of concern.
Help and advice
Instead of asking:
"What's wrong with my child?"
Try asking:
"What could we change to help?"
Small changes to the environment can make everyday activities easier and more enjoyable.
What helps create a capable environment?
Every child is different. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, but making small changes to relationships, communication, routines, activities and the environment can make a big difference.
Positive relationships
Children learn best when they feel safe, respected and understood.
Helpful strategies include:
- spending quality time together
- listening to feelings
- staying calm
- praising strengths and effort
- repairing relationships after difficult moments
Supporting communication
Children find it easier to participate when communication is clear.
Helpful strategies include:
- simple language
- one instruction at a time
- visual supports
- allowing thinking time
- preparing children for changes
Meaningful activities
Children enjoy learning when activities are meaningful and enjoyable.
This may include:
- following their interests
- joining in family activities
- opportunities to play
- activities that match their abilities
- celebrating participation
Predictable routines
Knowing what to expect helps children feel safe.
Helpful strategies include:
- consistent routines
- visual timetables
- countdowns
- preparing for changes
- keeping expectations clear
Friendships and relationships
Children benefit from opportunities to build positive relationships with family, friends and other trusted adults.
Support children to:
- spend time with others
- develop social skills
- feel included
- build confidence in relationships
Choice and control
Giving children choices helps build confidence and independence.
Offer choices such as:
- what to wear
- which activity to do first
- where to sit
- how they would like to complete a task
Independence
Encourage children to develop skills by:
- allowing them to have a go
- giving just enough support
- allowing extra time
- celebrating progress
- encouraging problem-solving
Meeting health and wellbeing needs
Children are better able to cope when their basic needs are met.
Consider:
- sleep
- healthy food and drinks
- movement and exercise
- emotional wellbeing
- time to rest
Physical environment
The environment around us can make everyday life easier.
Helpful changes include:
- reducing clutter
- making items easy to reach
- having safe spaces to play
- comfortable seating
- good lighting
- creating a quiet area
Skilled and supportive adults
Children benefit when adults work together and respond consistently.
This includes:
- understanding children's needs
- being patient
- working together
- using positive approaches
- continuing to learn new strategies
- Working together
Children do best when families, schools and professionals work together.
Sharing ideas and keeping communication open helps everyone support the child in a consistent way.
An inclusive community
Children thrive when they feel welcome and included in their community.
This includes having opportunities to:
- join clubs and activities
- spend time with friends
- access local services
- take part in community life
- feel accepted for who they are
LIFT is a multi-agency collaborative team, funded by North Wales Social Care and Well-being Services Improvement Collaborative.