Behaviour and Family Support
Mission Statement
At Dorchester Learning Centre, we believe that every young person thrives when they feel safe, valued and understood. Our aim is to create a warm, nurturing and emotionally safe school where relationships come first and every interaction matters.
We recognise that behaviour is a form of communication, shaped by a child’s experiences, feelings and unmet needs. By listening carefully, responding with empathy and providing clear, consistent boundaries, we help students feel secure, regulate their emotions and engage confidently in their learning.
Family Support at DLC
Our approach is relational, trauma‑informed and kind. Guided by Trauma Informed Schools and the Thrive Approach, we follow the principles of Protect, Relate, Regulate and Reflect, ensuring that pupils are supportedand understood before being expected to problem‑solve or learn.
We have team of skilled Behaviour Family Workers, who provide early support to students and their families. Every student has a named Family Worker, offering a consistent point of contact who understands their changing emotional needs and lived experiences. Family Workers build trusting relationships, maintain regular communication with carers and work alongside families to identify challenges early, share strategies, and remove barriers to learning and wellbeing.
At DLC, we build a culture where everyone belongs. Staff greet students warmly each day, model positive behaviour, and use PACE—Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy—to create connection and promote emotional safety.
We are committed to maintaining a calm, safe environment. We have just three expectations to guide the school day:
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BE READY - We let lessons take place so that everyone can learn
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BE RESPECTFUL - We respect others and we don’t swear
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BE SAFE - We listen to instructions to keep everyone safe
Meet the Family Support Team
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The Rec
The Rec is a welcoming, flexible space where Vocational students can feel safe, supported and relaxed throughout the school day. At tutor time, break and lunch, it becomes a social space where students can spend time with friends, play pool, darts or PlayStation, or simply unwind. It also offers a calm, supportive place for students to talk with family workers for advice, guidance or a listening ear. At times, The Rec is used for small group or individual interventions to help build skills and confidence. Students are encouraged to be ready, respectful and safe, helping to create a positive space where everyone feels included and valued.
The Oasis
Oasis is a calm, safe space where Nurture students can take a breather. At DLC, we believe every young person deserves kindness, understanding and the chance to do well, especially when things feel hard.
Students in Oasis are met by Family Workers with care and respect. Through positive conversations, strong relationships and structured support, they’re helped to understand their emotions, build resilience and find healthy ways to cope. This support helps them return to learning feeling calmer, more confident and ready to take part.
Steps 2 Success Programme
Step 2 Success is an intervention programme delivered by Family Workers in collaboration with students who require additional support to overcome barriers to learning. Family Workers liaise with the Senior Leadership Team to discuss and agree why a student would benefit from being placed on the programme.
The programme typically runs for six weeks and involves regular one-to-one sessions between the Family Worker and student. During this time, a range of topics are explored, focusing on areas such as behaviour, emotional wellbeing, confidence, and self-esteem. The aim is to support the student in recognising and understanding that their behaviour may be linked to unmet needs or underlying feelings.
Family Workers reflect on the student’s progress and work closely with the SEN team. They keep close contact with parents or carers, providing updates on the student’s progress and how the sessions are supporting their development.