Perspectives & Theories in oshc

Louise Porter - Positive Behavioural Guidance

Louise Porter’s Positive Behavioural Guidance helps OSHC educators move beyond “managing behaviour” to building the conditions where children can belong, self-regulate, and cooperate—especially in the high-energy, socially complex after-school hours. In this OSHC-ready module, you’ll learn the core principles in plain language, hear a creative “voice of Louise Porter” narrative (educational purpose only), listen to educators plan how to apply the approach, hear an Educational Leader interview on mentoring consistent guidance across a team, work through a realistic case study, and complete a critical reflection using the Circle of Change (revised) so learning becomes visible in everyday interactions and routines.
Format

Online
Module

Author

Belinda Wright

Duration

45 - 60 mins

Price

$49

About the module

After school, children often arrive with a full emotional load—fatigue, sensory overload, friendship tension, hunger, and big feelings. Behaviour is often communication. Porter’s approach helps educators respond in ways that are firm and kind: holding boundaries while protecting dignity, belonging, and relationships.

This module supports educators to strengthen guidance by focusing on:
  • proactive conditions (routines, expectations, environment, connection)
  • teaching social and emotional skills (not just correcting behaviour)
  • responding to conflict without power struggles
  • using language that supports agency, responsibility, and repair
  • building team consistency so children experience predictable, fair responses

Understand positive guidanceSee it in practice + leadership

A clear introduction to Porter’s approach—how to guide behaviour through connection, boundaries, and skill-building in OSHC.

See it in practice + leadership

Bring the approach to life through a “voice of the theorist” narrative, educator implementation dialogue, a real case study, and an Educational Leader interview on mentoring consistent guidance across a service.

Reflect → improve

Use the Circle of Change (revised): Deconstruct → Confront → Theorise → Think Otherwise, then consolidate in “What have I learnt?” with one next step to trial.

How this module works

This module follows a consistent, educator-friendly structure:
  • Introduction to Louise Porter + What is Positive Behavioural Guidance?
    A plain-language overview with OSHC examples: co-regulation, boundaries, fairness, routines, group expectations, and restorative repair.
  • “Let’s hear from Louise Porter”
    A short creative narrative where “Louise” speaks to guidance that builds responsibility and belonging in everyday OSHC moments (educational purpose only).
  • Educator dialogue: implementing positive guidance
    A realistic conversation between educators after completing the module—brainstorming how to:
    - set clear expectations without over-controlling
    - respond to challenging behaviour without shame
    - support children to repair and reconnect
    - stay consistent across educators and shifts
  • Interview: Educational Leader perspective
    A grounded interview focused on:
    - how an Educational Leader coaches guidance language and tone “on the floor”
    - how to build team consistency (so children don’t get mixed messages)
    - how to respond to recurring behaviour patterns as skill gaps (not “bad kids”)
    - what to do when escalation happens and educators feel stuck
  • OSHC case study: behaviour guidance in action
    A realistic scenario (e.g., exclusion, disrespectful language, rough play escalation, refusal at pack-up, fairness disputes). Learners practise identifying what the behaviour is communicating and choosing responses that are calm, boundaried, and teach skills.
  • Critical reflection (Circle of Change – revised)
    Deconstruct → Confront → Theorise → Think Otherwise to challenge default reactions (e.g., punishment-first, lecturing, threats) and redesign more respectful, effective practice.
  • What have I learnt?
    A short consolidation step to name key takeaways and commit to one practical change to trial.
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The “Let’s hear from…” section is a creative narrative designed for educator learning and is not a direct quote from published works.

What educators will be able to do after this module

Educators who complete this module will be better able to:
  • Interpret behaviour as communication and respond with more clarity
  • Set boundaries that are calm, consistent, and respectful
  • Teach social problem-solving and support repair after conflict
  • Reduce escalation by using co-regulation and predictable routines
  • Strengthen children’s agency and responsibility through guidance language
  • Build consistent team practice so behaviour guidance is fair and reliable

Who this module is for

  • OSHC educators who want practical behaviour guidance strategies that fit after-school realities
  • Educational Leaders / service leaders mentoring consistent, child-centred guidance across teams and sites
Ready to guide behaviour with confidence—without power struggles?

Belinda Wright

Founder | Director of Learning | OSHCologist | Researcher

I’m Belinda Wright—an OSHC practitioner, leader, and learning designer with almost two decades in the sector. I’ve completed a Graduate Certificate in Education (Learning & Leadership) and I’m currently completing a Master of Education (Learning & Leadership), with research focused on educational leadership in OSHC. This course is designed to make theory practical—so educators can use it to deepen observations, strengthen pedagogy, and improve everyday practice.